SEN Classroom Support Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist Secondary School – Manchester

Teaching Personnel are seeking a dedicated, resilient, and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in Manchester. This rewarding opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and helping them to achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

The Opportunity

Working within a specialist secondary setting, you will support pupils aged 11–16 with a range of special educational needs. As part of a highly supportive team, you will provide tailored support to students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, helping them engage with learning, develop positive behaviours, and build confidence and independence.

This role requires someone who is confident managing challenging behaviour, able to build positive relationships with young people, and willing to support with personal care where necessary. A calm, patient, and proactive approach is essential to success in this position.

About the School

This specialist secondary school provides a structured, nurturing, and inclusive environment for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and complex learning difficulties.

The school is committed to helping pupils develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed for future success. Through strong pastoral support, personalised learning, and positive behaviour strategies, staff work collaboratively to ensure every student can thrive. The school prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, strong team culture, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEN on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Assist students with their academic, social, emotional, and personal development
• Implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and tailored support strategies
• Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour using positive and consistent approaches
• Support pupils with personal care where required
• Promote inclusion, engagement, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
• Work closely with teaching staff, therapists, and external professionals
• Prepare learning resources and help maintain a safe and supportive classroom environment
• Monitor, record, and report on pupil progress and behaviour
• Supervise pupils during lessons, breaktimes, and educational activities

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs
• Experience working with secondary-aged pupils or individuals with additional needs
• Experience supporting pupils with ASC, ADHD, SEMH, or complex learning needs
• Confidence managing challenging behaviour professionally and effectively
• Willingness to support pupils with personal care and complex needs
• A resilient, patient, and proactive attitude
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Relevant qualifications such as CACHE Level 2/3 or a Psychology degree
• Team Teach training, or willingness to undertake training

What Teaching Personnel Offers

• Long-term opportunities within supportive specialist schools
• Weekly pay
• Ongoing support from a dedicated and experienced recruitment consultant
• Access to high-quality training and professional development opportunities
• The chance to make a genuine and lasting difference in the lives of young people

If you are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and are looking for a rewarding role within a specialist educational setting, we would love to hear from you. Apply today through Teaching Personnel.

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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