Job Title: SEND Teaching Assistant – Long-Term Supply
Location: South London (Thornton Heath area)
Rate: 90 to 120 per day (depending on qualifications and experience)
Contract: One term, with strong likelihood of extension through the academic year
About the Role
A well-established primary academy in the Thornton Heath area of South London is seeking an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant for a long-term supply placement. This is a stable, supportive school with strong SENCO leadership and a genuine commitment to inclusive practice.
You’ll work within the SEND team to provide targeted support to pupils with identified special educational needs. Your role will involve working both one-to-one and with small groups, delivering interventions, supporting access to the curriculum, and contributing to a safe, inclusive learning environment. The school has robust systems for tracking progress and clear communication between class teachers and the SEND team.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivering SEND support to pupils with a range of needs (ASC, ADHD, speech and language, dyslexia, social-emotional, physical needs)
- Supporting one-to-one work with identified pupils, following teacher planning
- Running small-group interventions under SENCO direction
- Assisting pupils with personal care and safeguarding protocols as required
- Recording and communicating pupil progress to the class teacher and SENCO
- Supporting behaviour management and emotional regulation strategies
- Contributing to a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment
- Building positive relationships with pupils, families, and staff
About You
- Proven experience working with children with SEND
- Sound understanding of ASC, dyslexia, ADHD, and/or speech and language support
- Patience, empathy, and genuine commitment to inclusive practice
- Strong communication and observation skills
- Experience with relevant interventions (e.g. Precision Teaching, Colourful Semantics, speech sounds work)
- Ability to work flexibly within a team and take direction from teachers and SENCO
- Excellent safeguarding awareness and practice
- Calm, positive approach to managing challenging behaviour
What the School Offers
- A supportive, professional SEND team
- Clear line management and regular check-ins
- Access to ongoing training and development
- Well-resourced SEND provision
- A school culture that genuinely values staff wellbeing and contribution
- Real stability and genuine extension prospects for the right candidate
This is a meaningful, rewarding placement where you’ll make a real difference to pupils’ learning and confidence. If you’re passionate about supporting pupils with SEND and want to work in an inclusive, well-led school, we’d love to hear from you.