SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEN School in Bury

Milk Education is seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and welcoming specialist SEN school in Bury. This position is available from September and would be an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs to learn, develop and achieve their individual potential.

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced teaching and support staff to provide personalised support to pupils with a range of special educational needs. You will play an important role in helping pupils access their education, develop their confidence and independence, and feel safe and supported throughout the school day.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, have previous SEN experience, are a graduate looking to gain valuable experience before pursuing a career in education, or have transferable experience from childcare, care, youth work or support work, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your skills within a specialist setting.

Working closely with the class teacher and wider school team, you will help create a calm, structured and nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to engage with learning and develop their social, emotional and communication skills.

Your Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Work closely with the class teacher to support the delivery of engaging and accessible learning activities
• Provide one-to-one and small-group support tailored to individual pupil needs
• Help pupils access the curriculum by adapting activities and providing additional guidance where required
• Support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive attitudes towards learning
• Support the development of communication, interaction and social skills
• Help pupils develop strategies to manage their emotions and regulate their behaviour
• Provide calm and consistent support to pupils who may experience anxiety, distress or sensory overload
• Assist with sensory activities and individualised learning approaches
• Support pupils with their personal development and life skills
• Follow individual learning plans, behaviour plans and other support strategies
• Help prepare and organise classroom resources and activities
• Encourage positive behaviour through consistent, patient and supportive approaches
• Build strong, positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other professionals
• Provide pastoral support and reassurance throughout the school day
• Support personal care needs where required
• Promote a safe, calm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment
• Support pupil wellbeing and follow all safeguarding procedures and school policies

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children or young people in a school, SEN setting, nursery, childcare, care, tutoring, youth work, coaching or similar environment (desirable)
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs
• Is caring, patient, empathetic and approachable
• Is able to remain calm, consistent and positive when faced with challenging situations
• Understands that every pupil has different needs and is willing to adapt their approach accordingly
• Is confident supporting pupils who may require additional behavioural, emotional, sensory or communication support
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Can build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Is able to work effectively as part of a wider school and support team
• Is flexible, proactive and willing to learn
• Has a positive attitude and a genuine desire to make a difference to pupils' lives
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, or is willing to undertake relevant training
• Holds a relevant qualification or degree (desirable but not essential)

Previous experience within a specialist SEN school is desirable but not essential. We would also welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience from care, support work, childcare, youth work or other roles involving children and young people.

What's in It for You?

• Competitive daily rates of pay (£107.71 per day minimum)
• The opportunity to work within a specialist SEN school in Bury
• Gain valuable experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs
• Access to ongoing CPD and training through Milk Academy
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
• Opportunities to develop your understanding and experience of SEN education
• Valuable classroom experience for anyone considering a future career in teaching, education, care or specialist support
• Access to wellbeing resources and community support initiatives
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Click 'Apply Now' or get in touch for more information:

Email: miranda.wells@milk-education.co.uk

Why Choose Milk Education?

We’re bottled differently here at Milk, with national coverage and offices in your local area. We take a whole-school approach to staffing, culture and school impact, connecting educators with schools that value consistency, wellbeing and community.

With Priority Partnerships, enrichment programmes, CPD and our Unbottled and Make Life Kind initiatives, we’re rethinking what a recruitment agency can be.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website.

Please note that Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.