Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Acton, London
Pay Rate: £100–£130 per day, depending on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, term-time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday
Start Date: Immediate or next academic term

Introduction

A vibrant and inclusive primary school in Acton, West London, is seeking a committed Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join their SEN team. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting children with diverse learning, communication, and behavioural needs in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

The SEN TA will work closely with teachers, the SENCO, and external specialists to deliver one-to-one and small group support, helping pupils access lessons, build confidence, and develop independence and social-emotional skills. This is a hands-on, rewarding position with real impact on children’s lives.

About the School and Acton Community

Acton is a thriving, multicultural area in West London, known for its residential streets, parks, local shops, and excellent transport links via the Central Line, Overground, and bus networks. The school serves a highly diverse population, reflecting a mix of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The school is proud of its robust SEN provision, with teaching assistants forming a core part of the team. The SENCO ensures interventions are personalised, evidence-based, and targeted to the unique needs of each pupil, while teaching assistants provide the hands-on support needed to make those strategies effective.

Key features of the school include:

• Experienced SENCO and specialist SEN staff

• Calm, structured classrooms designed to support learning and emotional wellbeing

• Access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and educational psychologists

• Focus on both academic progress and social-emotional development

• Opportunities for mentoring, CPD, and career progression

The school values staff wellbeing and provides a comprehensive induction, ongoing support, and a positive, collaborative working environment.

Pupil Profiles and SEN Needs

The SEN TA will support pupils with a variety of needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC): Pupils may require support with social communication, routines, and sensory sensitivities

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Pupils may need guidance with focus, organisation, and self-regulation

• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs: Pupils may benefit from support managing anxiety, emotions, and social interactions

• Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN): Pupils may need targeted support for communication, vocabulary, and confidence

• Learning Delays: Pupils may require additional support in literacy, numeracy, and other curriculum areas

• Sensory Processing Needs: Pupils may need personalised strategies or environmental adaptations to engage effectively in learning

Support may be delivered one-to-one, in small groups, or integrated into whole-class lessons, depending on individual pupil needs and SENCO guidance.

Key Responsibilities

The SEN TA’s responsibilities include:

• Delivering personalised support to pupils with SEN to access lessons and activities

• Supporting pupils’ academic, social, and personal development

• Collaborating with class teachers to adapt lesson content, resources, and teaching methods

• Implementing strategies from EHCPs, behaviour plans, and individual support plans

• Supporting pupils’ emotional regulation, behaviour management, and social skills development

• Encouraging positive peer interactions and communication

• Assisting with transitions between lessons, playground supervision, and lunchtimes

• Observing, recording, and reporting pupil progress and behaviour

• Providing feedback to teachers, SENCOs, and external specialists

• Supporting personal care needs with dignity and respect

• Promoting independence while offering structured guidance

• Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment

This role requires patience, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to respond to the diverse needs of pupils.

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for someone who is:

• Patient, compassionate, and empathetic

• Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in challenging situations

• Confident supporting pupils with a wide variety of SEN needs

• Flexible and adaptable to changing pupil needs and classroom routines

• A strong communicator and collaborative team member

• Committed to inclusion and pupil wellbeing

Previous experience in SEN or educational settings is desirable but not essential. Experience in care work, youth work, or behaviour support is also welcomed.

Training and Career Development

The school provides:

• SEN-specific CPD and professional development opportunities

• Safeguarding and behaviour management training

• Mentoring and guidance from experienced SEN staff

• Opportunities for career progression to senior SEN TA or specialist roles

This role is particularly suitable for individuals considering careers in teaching, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, educational psychology, or child mental health services.

Why Work in Acton?

Acton is a diverse and culturally rich area in West London, offering excellent local amenities, parks, and community facilities. Working in this school provides practical experience with a wide range of SEN needs, professional development opportunities, and the satisfaction of making a real difference in children’s lives.

The school fosters a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture, providing both personal and professional fulfillment for dedicated staff.

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and adherence to safeguarding procedures.

Application Process

If you are patient, compassionate, and committed to supporting children with special educational needs, please apply today for this SEN Teaching Assistant position in Acton, West London.