Job Description
SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Exeter, Devon
Contract Type: Full-Time
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
About the Opportunity
SparkEd Recruitment is proud to partner with a welcoming and progressive school in Exeter to recruit dedicated SEND Teaching Assistants. This rewarding role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pupils across Key Stages 1–4, helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential within a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
The Role
As an SEND Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students with a range of additional needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Working closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams, you will help create a positive learning experience that promotes confidence, engagement, and personal growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND, including SEMH needs.
* Develop positive and trusting relationships with students who may experience anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, behavioural challenges, or emotional difficulties.
* Support the delivery of learning activities both inside and outside the classroom.
* Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.
* Encourage students to develop independence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning.
* Assist in implementing individual support plans and behaviour strategies where appropriate.
About You
We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people and are committed to making a positive impact.
You will ideally:
* Have a genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs.
* Be patient, resilient, and empathetic in your approach.
* Be adaptable, proactive, and confident in responding to a variety of situations.
* Be willing to learn and develop professionally, with full training provided.
* Have experience or transferable skills from sectors such as education, childcare, psychology, youth work, health and social care, or similar fields.
* Have an understanding of, or interest in supporting, pupils with Autism, ADHD, and other complex needs.
Previous experience working with children, young people, or individuals displaying challenging behaviour is advantageous but not essential.
What We Offer
* Competitive daily pay rates, dependent on experience.
* Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
* Dedicated support from an experienced recruitment consultant.
* Access to wellbeing resources to support a healthy work–life balance.
* The opportunity to work within a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding school environment where your contribution is genuinely valued.
If you are passionate about helping young people succeed and are looking for a rewarding career within education, we would love to hear from you.
Why SparkED Recruitment?
At SparkED, we specialise in placing talented, motivated educators and support staff in roles across the UK. We understand the vital role that every member plays in shaping the future of young learners, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your career. Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education, and we are proud to be part of an industry that creates lasting change.
Safeguarding Statement:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Join us in providing students with the tools they need to succeed and making a lasting impact on their futures. Together, we can make education a transformative experience for every child.