senploy • Plaistow North, Greater London

SEN TA

About this role

SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist Autism School

Plaistow, East London

Start Date

September 2026

Full time | Long term | Term time only

Are you a passionate SEN Teaching Assistant looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with Autism (ASD)?

A highly respected specialist primary and secondary school in Plaistow is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team in September. This is a Full time, Long term opportunity within a supportive and inspiring specialist setting that caters exclusively for pupils with Autism (ASD) and associated learning needs.

This school is more than just a workplace - it is a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to thrive, communicate, achieve independence, and celebrate success in their own way. As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping students access learning, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.

Whether you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant, a Learning Support Assistant, a Psychology graduate, or someone with personal or professional experience supporting individuals with Autism (ASD), this school offers exceptional training, progression, and career development opportunities.

The Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with class teachers and therapists to support pupils across either the primary or secondary provision. The role will involve both 1:1 support and working within small groups of 5-9 students.

Your responsibilities will include

Supporting pupils with SEN needs, primarily Autism (ASD)

Assisting the class teacher with differentiated learning activities

Delivering targeted interventions and emotional support

Encouraging communication, social interaction, and independence

Managing behaviour positively using structured strategies

Creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment

Supporting students during lessons, sensory breaks, and transitions

Building strong relationships with pupils, staff, and families

This Full time, Long term, Term time only position is ideal for someone who is patient, resilient, proactive, and genuinely passionate about SEN education.

What the School is Looking For

Due to the nature of this role, the school can only consider applicants with relevant SEN experience or exposure.

To be considered for this SEN Teaching Assistant role, you should have one or more of the following

Previous experience as a SEN Teaching Assistant

Experience working as a Learning Support Assistant

Personal or professional experience supporting children or young people with Autism (ASD)

A degree in Psychology or a related field

Experience supporting children with additional needs such as ASD, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, or communication needs

A calm, empathetic, and adaptable approach

Strong communication and teamwork skills

A genuine passion for supporting children with SEN

Why Apply?

Specialist SEN school with excellent leadership and support

Full time opportunity starting in September

Long term role with potential for permanent opportunities

Term time only position for a better work-life balance

Extensive training and career progression available

Opportunity to work alongside experienced SEN professionals and therapists

Rewarding environment where no two days are the same

Easily accessible Plaistow location

This SEN Teaching Assistant role would suit candidates who are considering future careers in educational psychology, speech and language therapy, social work, counselling, or teaching.

Safeguarding & Compliance

This role involves regular contact with children and young people and includes regulated activity relevant to children. The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will be expected to uphold the school's safeguarding policies and maintain the highest standards of child welfare and professional conduct at all times.

All applicants must be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check, provide references, and complete safeguarding compliance procedures in line with statutory guidance.

TLSA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all roles are subject to the usual safeguarding checks. The post carries the safeguarding responsibilities outlined in the job description and person specification. Please note that this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, with the relevant amendments (1975, 2013, 2020, 2023 and any that follow), meaning all cautions and convictions that aren't "protected" will need to be declared.