SEND Teaching Assistant – Full-time, permanent (temporary to permanent considered) from September 2026
This full-time SEND Teaching Assistant role offers the opportunity to work within a specialist secondary setting supporting pupils aged 11 to 16 with autism and social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school provides a structured and supportive environment with a clear focus on consistency, relationships, and positive behaviour. This SEND Teaching Assistant role is ideal for someone committed to helping pupils develop confidence, emotional regulation, and engagement with learning.Duties as SEND Teaching Assistant:

• Provide consistent classroom and pastoral support to pupils with autism and SEMH needs
• Support learning activities under the direction of teaching staff
• Help pupils manage behaviour, emotions, and social interactions using agreed strategies
• Work with small groups or on a one-to-one basis as required
• Support pupils’ independence, confidence, and engagement throughout the school day
• Follow individual support plans and behaviour strategies consistently
• Contribute to a calm, safe, and structured learning environment
• Maintain safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety responsibilities at all times

Ideal SEND Teaching Assistant:

• Experience supporting pupils with autism and or SEMH needs
• Calm, resilient, and patient approach to behaviour and emotional support
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to commit to a permanent role, with openness to temporary to permanent arrangements
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
• Commitment to supporting pupils’ well-being and progress

Why Step Teachers?With a rich history spanning over two decades, our teacher recruitment agency proudly serves North London, East London, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Cornwall, Devon and Greater Manchester. We foster exclusive relationships with schools and academies in these regions. Our dedicated team, stationed in branches across Barnet, Havering, Norwich, Cambridge, Abingdon, and Plymouth, is committed to supporting and nurturing teachers. Explore rewarding opportunities with our trusted education recruitment services. We are an approved Crown Commercial Service supplier, proud members of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), and REC Audited in Education, which means we have undergone rigorous external auditing to ensure we consistently meet the highest safeguarding and compliance standing in education recruitment. Step Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates registering with Step Teachers are subject to safeguarding checks in line with the DfE’s statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education, including reference checks and an Enhanced DBS check either registered on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one. Your salary - dependent on experience - is paid weekly through PAYE – that means no self-employed or umbrella companies. Additionally, you gain access to a range of exclusive deals, including discounted high street shopping, travel offers, gym memberships, and more. Moreover, our pay portal offers comprehensive physical and emotional well-being services as standard, ensuring your overall wellness is taken care of. Recommend a friend to receive a £100 Amazon voucher for yourself, and a chance for you both to win a holiday worth up to £1000 – If you know anyone who is looking for temporary, permanent or supply work then get in touch with us today!