Job Category: SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Location: London Borough of Lambeth

Do you have the patience, compassion and commitment to make a genuine difference in the lives of pupils with complex and severe special educational needs?

Ortus Recruitment are seeking dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistants to join our partnered specialist SEN school in the London Borough of Lambeth. This is an opportunity for individuals who are genuinely passionate about supporting children and young people with significant additional needs and want to make a meaningful difference every single day. This is a full-time, long-term position starting in November, after the half-term break, with the potential to secure a permanent contract based on performance, commitment and suitability for the school.

Working within a specialist environment, you will support pupils with severe and complex SEN, helping them access learning, develop communication skills, build independence and experience a safe, positive and nurturing school environment.

This role is about more than classroom support. It requires someone who understands that progress can look different for every pupil and that even the smallest achievements can represent significant milestones. If you are patient, emotionally resilient and motivated by helping vulnerable pupils reach their potential, we want to hear from you.

The Role and Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and other professionals to provide tailored support that meets each pupil’s individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing dedicated one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with severe and complex special educational needs.
Supporting pupils with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and the development of life skills.
Helping deliver personalised learning activities in line with pupils’ individual education plans and support strategies.
Creating a calm, structured and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, valued and encouraged.
Supporting pupils with personal care and mobility where required, following appropriate training, care plans and safeguarding procedures.
Using patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to encourage engagement, confidence and independence.
Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, support staff and other professionals to deliver consistent, pupil-centred care and education.
Following safeguarding procedures and promoting the welfare, dignity and inclusion of every pupil.

Who We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who genuinely want to work in specialist SEN education and understand the commitment involved in supporting pupils with significant and complex needs.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with severe SEN.
Patience, empathy and emotional resilience when faced with challenging situations.
A calm, positive and adaptable approach to supporting pupils with different communication, sensory and learning needs.
A willingness to learn specialist strategies and follow individual pupil support plans.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Reliability, professionalism and a consistent commitment to pupil welfare.
An understanding of safeguarding and the importance of maintaining pupils’ dignity, safety and independence.

Previous SEN experience is highly desirable, particularly experience supporting pupils with complex needs, autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) or significant communication needs. However, we also welcome applications from compassionate candidates with relevant transferable experience who are genuinely committed to developing a career in specialist education.

Benefits

£95–£110 per day PAYE, depending on experience and suitability.
Full-time hours in a long-term specialist school placement.
A November start following the half-term break.
The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils and contribute to their ongoing development.
Valuable experience within a specialist SEN school environment.
The opportunity to secure a permanent position based on performance and suitability.
Support from Ortus Recruitment throughout your placement.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Working with pupils with severe and complex SEN can be demanding, but it can also be one of the most rewarding roles in education. You may help a pupil communicate a need for the first time, participate in an activity they previously found difficult or develop greater confidence in their daily routine.

These achievements matter.

We are looking for people who recognise the value of this work, approach every pupil as an individual and are committed to making a lasting difference rather than simply filling a position.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about specialist SEN education and ready to make a genuine difference, we want to hear from you.

Please Submit your full CV to Ortus Recruitment today for consideration. Please highlight any relevant SEN, care, support work, childcare or education experience, along with your availability to start in November after half-term.

We are keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate the right attitude, commitment and compassion to thrive in this specialist environment.

Apply today to take the next step towards a rewarding, long-term career supporting pupils with severe and complex special educational needs.

Apply for this position