Learning Support Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant – Secondary

Location: Oldham
Agency: Teaching Personnel
Start Date: September 2026

Teaching Personnel are recruiting for an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in Oldham. This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for someone with a proven background supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The school caters for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and supports a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Complex Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (CLDD), Sensory Processing Difficulties, and social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Staff work collaboratively to provide a nurturing and structured environment where every pupil can thrive.

About the Role

This role is ideal for a confident and resilient SEN professional who understands the importance of tailored support and positive relationship building. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and achieve their individual EHCP outcomes.

The successful candidate will be able to support pupils with complex communication, sensory, behavioural, and learning needs while maintaining a calm, consistent, and proactive approach to behaviour management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with a range of complex SEN needs
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual EHCP targets and learning styles
• Support pupils with Autism, PMLD, CLDD, sensory needs, and associated behavioural difficulties
• Use communication tools such as visual timetables, PECS, and communication aids to promote engagement
• Implement positive behaviour support strategies and respond effectively to dysregulation
• Build positive relationships that encourage confidence, emotional wellbeing, and independence
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, and parents/carers to support pupil progress
• Prepare and adapt learning resources to ensure lessons are accessible and engaging
• Assist with personal care, feeding, toileting, and mobility support where required
• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN is essential
• Experience working with pupils with Autism, PMLD, CLDD, sensory needs, or complex behavioural needs
• Strong understanding of behaviour as communication and the ability to respond appropriately
• Confidence managing challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies
• Patient, resilient, and adaptable approach to supporting pupils with additional needs
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to support personal care and mobility needs where required
• Available full-time and committed to a long-term role

Desirable

• Team Teach training or experience using positive handling strategies
• Experience working within specialist SEN schools or alternative provisions
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and sensory regulation strategies
• Experience using PECS, Makaton, visual supports, or other communication systems

What Teaching Personnel Offer

• Competitive weekly pay
• Long-term, full-time opportunities in specialist education settings
• Access to ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training
• Dedicated support from an experienced SEN recruitment consultant
• Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour management, de-escalation, and Team Teach
• A rewarding role making a genuine difference to the lives of young people

Apply Today

If you have previous SEN experience and are passionate about supporting young people with complex needs to achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join a committed and supportive specialist school community in Oldham.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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