SEN TEACHING ASSISTANT - FOREST GATE, EAST LONDON

Location: Forest Gate, East London
Job Title: Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term, Term-Time Only
Pay Rate: £90–£115 per day (dependent on experience)
Start Date: Immediate or Next Term

About the Role

A highly inclusive, community-focused primary school based in Forest Gate, East London , is seeking a committed, patient, and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated support team on a full-time, long-term basis. This role is ideal for someone who is genuinely passionate about supporting children with additional needs and is looking to build long-term experience within a supportive and well-structured school environment.

The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will work closely with pupils who require additional support to access learning, regulate emotions, and develop social and communication skills. Pupils present with a range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), speech and language difficulties, sensory processing challenges, and moderate learning difficulties . Some pupils are supported through Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) , while others require targeted intervention and emotional support throughout the school day.

This is a rewarding but demanding role that requires patience, resilience, empathy, and consistency. In return, the school offers excellent training, strong leadership support, and the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in pupils’ lives.

About the School

The school is located in the heart of Forest Gate and serves a diverse, vibrant local community. Inclusion and equality are at the core of the school’s ethos, and there is a strong belief that every child deserves the right support to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school has a well-established SEN department led by an experienced SENCO who works closely with Teaching Assistants, class teachers, senior leaders, and external professionals. The SEN provision includes dedicated intervention rooms, calm spaces, and access to specialist resources designed to support pupils with sensory and emotional needs.

Staff wellbeing is taken seriously, and SEN Teaching Assistants are viewed as integral members of the school team. You will be welcomed into a supportive environment where your contribution is recognised and your professional development is encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant in this Forest Gate school, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing 1:1 support to pupils with identified SEN needs, both inside and outside the classroom

• Supporting small group interventions focusing on academic progress, communication skills, emotional regulation, and social development

• Working with pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH needs, speech and language delays, and learning difficulties

• Supporting pupils to engage with the curriculum by adapting tasks and explaining instructions in a clear, accessible way

• Assisting pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety management, and behaviour using positive and consistent strategies

• Implementing support strategies and targets outlined in EHCPs, behaviour plans, and individual support plans

• Working closely with class teachers to ensure lessons are differentiated appropriately

• Supporting pupils during transitions, playtimes, and lunchtimes to promote positive behaviour and social interaction

• Encouraging independence, confidence, and resilience while providing appropriate levels of support

• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, behaviour, and engagement

• Communicating effectively with teachers, SEN staff, and senior leaders

• Supporting personal care needs where required, ensuring dignity and safeguarding at all times

• Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant who demonstrates:

• A genuine passion for supporting children with special educational needs

• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience

• Experience working with SEN children or vulnerable individuals (school, care, youth work, or support settings)

• Confidence supporting pupils with challenging behaviour in a calm and positive manner

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• A proactive and flexible approach to supporting learning

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing

This role is particularly well suited to graduates in psychology, education, childhood studies, health and social care , or individuals considering future careers in teaching, educational psychology, SEN support, or therapy . However, prior school-based experience is not essential for the right candidate, as full training and support will be provided.

Training and Professional Development

The school is committed to staff development and offers ongoing training and support, including:

• SEN-specific training (ASD awareness, SEMH strategies, behaviour de-escalation)

• Safeguarding and child protection training

• Guidance and mentoring from experienced SEN professionals

• Opportunities to gain long-term experience and progress within SEN education

Why Apply for This Role?

• Work in a supportive and inclusive Forest Gate school

• Strong SEN leadership and clear support structures

• Competitive daily pay

• Long-term, stable placement

• Excellent transport links and local amenities

• Opportunity to make a genuine difference in children’s lives

Application Process

If you are a compassionate and motivated SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding full-time role in Forest Gate, East London , we would love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your SEN career and become part of a school that truly values inclusive education.