Job description
Actor/ Actress
Job Title: Special Needs Assistant (SEN TA)
Area: Sunderland
Start Date: March 2026
Contract Type: Full-time, Term-time only
Salary: £500-£600 per week
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
About the School
Are you an actor/actress looking to transfer your skills to a classroom environment with a passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs?
We are working alongside a welcoming and inclusive school in Sunderland that is seeking a committed Special Needs Assistant to join its supportive team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils who require additional support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Special Needs Assistant – Key Responsibilities
1. Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEN needs
* Support pupils with a range of additional needs, including ASD, ADHD, speech and language needs, and SEMH
* Work closely with the class teacher and SENCO to implement individual support plans
* Encourage positive behaviour, independence, and emotional regulation
* Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs
* Monitor progress and provide feedback to teaching staff
Special Needs Assistant – Person Specification
2. Previous experience supporting children with SEN (school, care, or youth settings)
* A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach
* Strong communication and teamwork skills
* An understanding of SEND strategies and inclusive practice
* Relevant qualifications in education, care, or support are advantageous but not essential
* A genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential
Special Needs Assistant – To Be Eligible You Must:
3. Hold the Right to Work in the UK
* Have an enhanced child barred list DBS on the update service (or be willing to apply)
* Be able to provide two professional references (child-related preferred)
Please submit your up-to-date CV to be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Prospero Teaching is acting as an employment business/education recruitment agency for this vacancy. Safeguarding and child protection are at the heart of everything we do – all candidates must undergo the relevant vetting checks before starting work.