Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

Do you believe that the right support, at the right moment, can help a child feel safe, understood, and ready to learn? Do you want a role where progress may look different for every pupil – but every step forward truly matters? If so, Parley First School would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Specialist Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team in The Pod, our Specialist Resource Base. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional and often complex needs, including autism, speech and language needs, and school-based anxiety.

At Parley, Specialist Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping pupils feel secure, valued, and capable. You will support children both emotionally and academically, often working closely with individuals or small groups to help them access learning and develop independence.

What you’ll do

• Work closely with the Specialist Teacher to deliver personalised learning programmes for pupils with EHCPs and additional needs
• Support pupils one-to-one and in small groups, helping them engage with learning and develop key life skills
• Use a calm, relational approach to help pupils regulate their emotions and feel safe
• Promote independence, confidence, and self-esteem in every child
• Monitor progress and share insights with teachers to support next steps in learning
• Provide personal care when required, ensuring dignity, safety, and compassion at all times

Who you are

• A patient, empathetic, and resilient individual who understands the importance of relationships
• Experience of working with children, particularly those with additional needs, is essential.
• Someone who can remain calm under pressure and respond sensitively to pupils’ needs
• A strong communicator who works well as part of a team and with families
• Flexible, positive, and able to adapt to the varied demands of a specialist setting
• Committed to supporting children with SEND and helping them achieve their individual goals

What the school offers its staff

About us

Parley First School is a welcoming, inclusive primary academy where children aged 4–9 learn, grow, and are supported to fulfil their potential in a happy, safe environment. We pride ourselves on nurturing respectful, confident learners and have strong inclusive values, celebrating diversity and ensuring every child feels valued and supported, including those with additional needs.

Set in extensive grounds with playgrounds, gardens and outdoor spaces, we strive to make education engaging and enjoyable for all, with caring staff, strong community links and a shared commitment to helping every pupil thrive and be ready for their next steps.

What we can offer

• The chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, celebrating every small step and shared success along the way.
• It’s a job with heart – we’re not just about learning outcomes, we’re about building confidence, nurturing wellbeing, and helping children believe in themselves.
• You’ll be part of a supportive, down-to-earth team who genuinely have your back through the great days, the tricky days, and the “you won’t believe what just happened” moments.
• A comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing professional development package – because we’re committed to helping you grow, learn, and thrive in your role.
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme.
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust – a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”.

If you’re looking for a role that is as challenging as it is meaningful – where every day brings opportunities to make a genuine difference – this could be the right place for you.

Further details about the role

Closing date

14th June2026

Interview date

24th June 2026

Please note

Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.

Become part of our journey by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.educationif you would like to apply. Please see our Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant Job Description and Safeguarding Children Policy for further information.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Isabel at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.