Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for SEND Teaching Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

A SEND Teaching Assistant is a dedicated and compassionate professional who plays a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and effective learning environment for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Working under the guidance of a class teacher and the school's SENCo, you are the key to unlocking a child's potential. Your primary purpose is to provide tailored support—academic, physical, emotional, and social—that enables students to overcome barriers to learning, engage fully with the curriculum, and integrate into the wider school community. This role is not just about assistance; it's about advocacy, empowerment, and making a tangible, positive difference in the daily lives of children and young people.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Teaching Assistant
Nursery Nurse / Early Years Practitioner
Care Worker or Support Worker (Child or Adult)
Recent Graduate (Psychology, Education, Sociology)

Advancement To:

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) - requires further qualification
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via various training routes
Inclusion Manager or Pastoral Lead

Lateral Moves:

Learning Mentor
Family Liaison Officer
Pastoral Support Worker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Implement and contribute to individualised learning and support strategies as detailed in students' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), IEPs, or support plans.
Provide targeted one-to-one or small group academic support, reinforcing lessons presented by the teacher and adapting materials to ensure they are accessible and engaging.
Foster students' emotional and social development, employing strategies to build their self-esteem, confidence, and positive relationships with peers.
Proactively manage and support students with challenging behaviours, utilising de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies in line with school policy.
Assist students with specific physical or medical needs, which may include personal care (toileting, feeding, changing), mobility support, or administering medication, always with dignity and respect.
Meticulously observe and record student progress, behaviours, and any incidents, providing detailed and objective feedback to the class teacher and SENCo.
Collaborate with the class teacher to differentiate curriculum content, learning resources, and assessment methods to suit the abilities and learning styles of SEND students.
Facilitate the use of specialist equipment, assistive technology, and communication aids (e.g., PECS, Makaton, communication software) to help students access learning and express themselves.
Build strong, trusting relationships with the students you support, acting as a consistent and reassuring presence throughout their school day.
Supervise students during unstructured times such as break times, lunchtimes, and school trips, ensuring their safety and encouraging positive social interaction.
Liaise professionally and effectively with parents, carers, and a multi-agency team of external professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists.
Promote and model inclusive practices within the classroom and the wider school, encouraging peer support and understanding among all students.
Prepare learning materials and resources as directed by the teacher, ensuring they are tailored to meet the specific sensory, cognitive, or physical needs of the students.
Support students' communication and language skills, using specific interventions and approaches to help them understand and be understood.
Maintain a safe, stimulating, and organised learning environment, being mindful of potential triggers or hazards for students with sensory sensitivities or physical disabilities.
Actively participate in annual reviews and other meetings concerning the students you support, contributing your unique insights into their strengths, challenges, and progress.
Uphold and apply all school policies and procedures, with a particular focus on safeguarding, health and safety, and the SEN Code of Practice.
Encourage and support students to develop independent learning skills and personal resilience, gradually reducing support as they become more confident.
Provide scribing, reading, or prompting support for students during lessons, assessments, and formal examinations as required.
Assist in the physical setup of the classroom to ensure it is accessible and optimally arranged for the needs of all learners.

Secondary Functions

Assist in creating and maintaining classroom displays that celebrate student achievement and reinforce learning objectives.
Supervise and support students during off-site activities, such as educational visits, swimming, or work experience placements.
Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings, team briefings, and professional development training sessions.
Help maintain a clean, tidy, and resource-rich learning space, ensuring equipment is properly stored and cared for.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

In-depth knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and its practical application.
Proven experience implementing strategies for various needs, such as Autism (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
Competency in using communication systems like Makaton or the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Training and certification in behaviour de-escalation and positive handling techniques (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA).
Proficiency in delivering specific academic interventions, such as phonics programmes (e.g., Read Write Inc.) or numeracy support.
First Aid and/or Paediatric First Aid certification.
Experience using assistive technology and ICT to support learning (e.g., iPads with communication apps, interactive whiteboards).
Understanding of statutory assessment processes and the role of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Ability to accurately record data and write clear, concise observational notes and reports.
Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Soft Skills

Exceptional patience and a calm, unflappable demeanor, especially under pressure.
A deep sense of empathy and the ability to build rapport and trust with children and young people.
Outstanding resilience and emotional intelligence to manage the challenges and rewards of the role.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for liaising with a wide range of stakeholders.
High levels of adaptability and flexibility to respond to the changing needs of students and the classroom environment.
A proactive, "can-do" attitude and the ability to use your own initiative to solve problems.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with teachers and other professionals.
A nurturing and encouraging disposition that fosters confidence in students.
Strong observational skills to notice subtle changes in a student's mood or behaviour.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.

Preferred Education:

Level 2 or Level 3 Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
A degree in a relevant subject.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education Studies
Psychology
Child Development
Social Care or Health and Social Care

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 6 months - 5+ years working with children or young people.

Preferred: Direct, hands-on experience supporting individuals with special educational needs in an educational, care, or community setting. Experience working with specific age groups (Primary/Secondary) or within a specialist provision (e.g., an ASD unit or a special school) is highly desirable.