Experienced 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant – Waltham Forest
Location: Waltham Forest, East London
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
A welcoming and specialist educational setting in Waltham Forest is seeking an experienced 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team. The role involves providing tailored support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them access learning, develop communication skills, build independence, and engage positively in school life.
The successful candidate will be patient, adaptable, and confident supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, working closely with teachers and other professionals to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
About the School
The school provides specialist education for children and young people with additional needs, including communication, cognition, physical, and medical needs. The setting focuses on personalised learning, structured routines, and individualised support to help pupils make progress in line with their abilities and individual learning goals.
Staff work collaboratively to promote communication, independence, emotional well-being, and positive engagement, ensuring every pupil is supported to reach their full potential.
The Role
As a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
* Provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with complex and additional needs.
* Support learning in line with pupils’ EHCPs and individual education plans.
* Assist with the delivery of differentiated and personalised learning activities.
* Use appropriate communication strategies to support pupils’ understanding and engagement.
* Promote independence, confidence, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
* Support pupils with personal care and mobility needs where required.
* Implement strategies to encourage positive behaviour and maintain a calm learning environment.
* Assist pupils in accessing classroom activities, sensory experiences, and the wider school curriculum.
* Work closely with class teachers, the SENCo, therapists, and other professionals.
* Monitor and contribute to recording pupils’ progress towards individual targets.
* Help maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment throughout the school day.
About You
* Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN in a UK school or specialist educational setting.
* A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Education, Early Years, or an equivalent qualification is desirable.
* Experience supporting pupils with communication, cognition, physical, or complex needs.
* Familiarity with communication approaches such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, or other AAC tools is advantageous.
* A patient, calm, nurturing, and resilient approach.
* Confidence supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and adapting to their individual needs.
* Strong communication and teamwork skills.
* A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting pupils’ independence.
* Reliable, flexible, and willing to support personal care and physical needs where required.
* An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply through Uniform Education.
What’s on Offer
* The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs.
* A supportive team committed to pupil progress and well-being.
* Opportunities for SEN-focused training and continued professional development.
* Experience working within a specialist educational setting.
* Potential for a long-term or permanent placement.
* A rewarding role where you can help pupils develop essential life skills, communication, confidence, and independence.
If you are an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting pupils with SEND, we would love to hear from you
