Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Herne Hill, 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 Herne Hill, 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 rewarding opportunity to work with children who have a variety of learning, behavioural, and communication needs, supporting them to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

The SEN TA will work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and external specialists to provide one-to-one and small group support, implementing personalised strategies that help pupils access the curriculum, build confidence, and develop independence.

About the School and Herne Hill Community

Herne Hill is a charming South London area known for its green spaces, vibrant community, and cultural diversity. The school reflects this diversity, serving pupils from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The school has a strong commitment to inclusive education, with teaching assistants playing a central role in supporting pupils with SEN. The SENCO coordinates interventions, monitors progress, and ensures that each child’s needs are met, while TAs deliver day-to-day support in lessons, social settings, and individual interventions.

Key features of the school include:

• Experienced SENCO and specialist SEN team

• Structured, supportive classrooms designed to enhance learning and wellbeing

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

• Emphasis on both academic achievement and social-emotional development

• Opportunities for CPD, mentoring, and career progression

The school fosters a positive, collaborative culture, ensuring staff are supported and empowered to succeed.

Pupil Profiles and SEN Needs

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

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC): Supporting social communication, structured routines, and sensory sensitivities

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Guidance on focus, 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, language, and confidence

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities

The SEN TA’s responsibilities include:

• Providing personalised support to pupils with SEN to access the curriculum

• Supporting academic, social, and emotional development

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

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

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

• Encouraging positive peer interactions 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, flexibility, and creativity 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 variety 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. Candidates with experience in care work, youth work, or behavioural support are also encouraged to apply.

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 Herne Hill?

Herne Hill is a leafy, vibrant South London area with parks, community facilities, and excellent transport links. Working in this school provides practical experience with diverse SEN needs, opportunities for professional growth, and the deeply rewarding experience of making a tangible difference in children’s lives.

The school culture is inclusive, collaborative, and supportive, offering 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 Herne Hill, South London.