Job Description

From Stage to Support: SEN Teaching Assistant

Bring your creativity, energy and empathy into the classroom.

Summary

Are you a performer looking for a new stage--one where every interaction can change a life? A specialist school is looking for passionate, expressive individuals to join their team as SEN Teaching Assistants. If you have a background in acting, drama, or performance, your creativity and communication skills could make you an incredible asset in a special needs classroom.

This long-term, classroom-based role supports pupils with a range of learning needs, including Autism, ADHD, and speech and language difficulties. Full-time and part-time applicants are welcome, and there's potential for the role to become permanent.

The Role

No two days are the same. Your role will be to engage, inspire, and support pupils through creative and structured activities--many of which benefit from the skills performers know best: voice control, storytelling, empathy, body language, and improvisation.

You'll be:

Supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups with academic, social, and emotional learning Using expressive communication and drama-based activities to build confidence and trust Helping children develop communication, focus, and emotional regulation Assisting in lessons, therapeutic sessions, and creative tasks Using positive behaviour support strategies to maintain a calm, encouraging environment Working closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff in a collaborative team
Whether you're helping a non-verbal child communicate through gesture, using role play to teach life skills, or bringing a story to life with your voice, you'll be making an impact far beyond the classroom.

Who This Role is For

This is ideal for performers who want a fulfilling and meaningful day job--or are ready to transition into a career in education, care, or child development.

We're looking for people who:

Have experience working with children or young people, either in performance, education, or care Are empathetic, adaptable, and excellent at non-verbal communication Can remain calm and responsive in emotionally charged situations Enjoy working collaboratively and learning new approaches Are committed to helping every child feel seen, heard, and valued
A Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential. Relevant experience in education, youth work, or SEN settings is a bonus.

The School

This is a specialist SEND school with small class sizes, personalised support, and a focus on building confidence and independence. Creativity, emotional literacy, and sensory learning are central to their approach. Staff work closely to support pupils' academic and emotional development in a nurturing, structured environment.

Hours and Working Pattern

Monday to Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcome.

The Benefits

Competitive pay Work-life balance with regular daytime hours No weekends, evenings, or shift work A chance to build a rewarding new career Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles

Step Into a Role Where Your Skills Take Centre Stage

If you're ready to turn performance into purpose, this could be your most rewarding role yet.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 14.00-16.00 per hour

Work Location: In person