Speech and Language Teaching Assistant
Summary
A welcoming and inclusive primary setting seeks a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support pupils with speech, language, and communication needs. You will play a vital role in helping learners with ASD, speech challenges, and other communication needs to flourish through tailored strategies and compassionate support.
The Role
You will work closely with both the class teacher and the speech and language therapist to implement and adapt communication strategies, including Makaton and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), across individual, small-group, and classroom settings. Your work will help pupils build confidence, develop emotional regulation and social skills, and communicate more effectively—creating a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere each day.
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
* A qualification at Level 2 or above in Teaching Assistance, Health and Social Care, Early Years Childcare, or a related social care field (mainstream: Teaching Assistant; Early Years: Childcare/EYFS; specialist: relevant care/health/social work qualification).
* Experience working with speech, language, and communication needs (desirable).
* Familiarity with Makaton and AAC (desirable).
* A strong understanding of ASD and related communication challenges.
* A warm, patient, empathetic approach, with the ability to respond proactively and positively.
* Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with pupils, colleagues, and therapists.
* A real passion for SEND and a drive to make a meaningful difference.
The Setting
An inclusive and caring environment where pupils with SEND are supported to thrive. Staff work collaboratively to offer tailored support and professional development, maintaining a strong commitment to the well‑being of both pupils and staff. The school values supportive teamwork and believes in the potential of every child.
Hours
Both full‑time and part‑time applications are welcomed. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.
The Benefits
* Competitive pay
* Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training
* A genuine chance to make a lasting, positive impact on pupils' lives
* A supportive, inclusive team that values wellbeing
The role offers the stability of a long‑term temporary placement, with the potential to become permanent in the future.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £91.00-£105.00 per day
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Application question(s):
* What interests you in working in SEND?
Work Location: In person