Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Balham, South 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 welcoming and inclusive primary school in Balham, South London, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join their SEN support team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work directly with children who have a range of learning, behavioural, and communication needs, helping them access the curriculum, build confidence, and thrive both academically and socially.

The SEN TA will work alongside class teachers, the SENCO, and external professionals to provide one-to-one and small group support, implementing individualised strategies that support pupils’ learning, social development, and emotional wellbeing.

About the School and Balham Community

Balham is a vibrant, family-friendly area in South London with excellent transport links, shops, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The school serves a diverse pupil population from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The school is committed to inclusive education, with teaching assistants playing a critical role in providing hands-on support to ensure pupils with SEN achieve their potential. The SENCO coordinates interventions and monitors pupil progress, while TAs implement day-to-day support strategies tailored to each child’s needs.

Key features of the school include:

• Experienced SENCO and specialist SEN staff

• Calm, structured classrooms designed to support learning and wellbeing

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

• Focus on both academic achievement and social-emotional development

• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and career progression

The school promotes staff wellbeing, offering induction, training, and a collaborative working environment to ensure every team member feels supported.

Pupil Profiles and SEN Needs

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

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC): Support with social communication, routines, and sensory sensitivities

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Guidance with concentration, organisation, and self-regulation

• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs: Assistance with emotional regulation, managing anxiety, and developing social skills

• Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN): Targeted interventions to build communication skills, vocabulary, and confidence

• Learning Delays: Additional support in literacy, numeracy, and curriculum engagement

• Sensory Processing Needs: Individualised strategies or classroom adaptations to enhance participation

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

Key Responsibilities

The SEN TA’s responsibilities include:

• Providing personalised support to pupils with SEN to access lessons effectively

• Supporting academic, social, and emotional development

• Collaborating with teachers to adapt lesson content and resources

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

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

• Encouraging positive peer relationships and communication

• Assisting with classroom transitions, 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

• Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment

Patience, creativity, and adaptability are essential to meet the diverse needs of pupils successfully.

The Ideal Candidate

The school seeks someone who is:

• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic

• Emotionally resilient and calm under pressure

• Confident supporting pupils with a range of SEN needs

• Flexible and adaptable to changing classroom routines and pupil requirements

• A strong communicator and collaborative team player

• Committed to inclusion, equality, and pupil wellbeing

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

Training and Career Development

The school provides:

• SEN-specific CPD and professional development opportunities

• Safeguarding and behaviour management training

• Mentoring from experienced SEN staff

• Opportunities to progress to senior SEN TA or specialist roles

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

Why Work in Balham?

Balham is a well-connected, vibrant South London area with parks, local amenities, and a strong sense of community. Working in this school provides hands-on experience with diverse SEN needs, professional growth opportunities, and the rewarding experience of making a tangible difference in children’s lives.

The school culture is supportive, inclusive, and collaborative, providing both personal and professional fulfilment.

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 compassionate, patient, and committed to helping children with special educational needs succeed, please apply today for this SEN Teaching Assistant position in Balham, South London.