SEN Teaching Assistant - Newham (Plaistow / East Ham),...

Location: Newham – Plaistow / East Ham

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term, Term-Time Only

Pay Rate: £85–£110 per day (depending on experience)

Start Date: Immediate or Flexible

Role Overview

A large, inclusive, and highly supportive mainstream primary school in Newham , serving the Plaistow and East Ham communities, is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join their team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The successful candidate will support pupils across Early Years, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2 who 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, global developmental delay, and mild to moderate learning difficulties . Many pupils are supported under Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) .

About the School

This Newham-based school is deeply committed to inclusion and equality, reflecting the diverse and vibrant local community it serves. The school has invested heavily in SEN resources, staff training, and specialist support spaces, ensuring pupils with additional needs are well supported throughout the school day.

The leadership team is experienced, visible, and approachable. SEN Teaching Assistants are treated as key members of staff and are actively involved in planning, reviews, and progress discussions. The school has a strong emphasis on wellbeing — for both pupils and staff — and encourages open communication and teamwork.

The school works closely with external professionals including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, and behaviour specialists , allowing SEN pupils to receive consistent and joined-up support.

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant in this Newham school, you will be expected to:

• Provide 1:1 support for pupils with SEN to help them access learning

• Support small group interventions focusing on academic and social development

• Assist pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, and communication needs

• Help pupils manage emotions and behaviour using positive reinforcement strategies

• Support the class teacher in adapting and differentiating lesson materials

• Implement strategies and targets outlined in EHCPs and individual support plans

• Encourage independence, resilience, and confidence in pupils

• Support pupils during transitions, break times, and lunchtime where required

• Monitor and record progress, feeding back to teachers and the SENCO

• Maintain a safe, calm, and nurturing learning environment

• Support personal care needs when necessary, with full guidance and training

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking 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 (education, care, or youth work)

• Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm and positive manner

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• A proactive and adaptable approach to learning support

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing

This role is particularly suited to graduates in psychology, education, or related fields , or individuals considering careers in teaching, SEN support, educational psychology, or therapy. However, full training and support will be provided, so applicants with transferable skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Training and Career Development

The school offers excellent professional development, including:

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

• Safeguarding and child protection training

• Ongoing mentoring from experienced SEN staff

• Opportunities for long-term progression and teacher training routes

Why Join This School?

• Inclusive, supportive school culture

• Strong SEN leadership and resources

• Competitive daily pay

• Excellent transport links in Newham

• Opportunity to make a real and lasting impact

Application

If you are committed to supporting pupils with SEN and want to work in a rewarding and inclusive Newham school, apply today to begin your journey as an SEN Teaching Assistant.