Job description
Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant – EYFS & KS1 Provision
Location: Tameside
Start Date: ASAP (Trial Days Available Immediately)
Contract Type: Long-Term
GSL Education Manchester is currently recruiting for an experienced Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist provision within a mainstream primary school. This setting supports pupils predominantly in EYFS and KS1 with significant speech, language and communication needs, including pupils who are non-verbal.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work in a highly supportive and structured environment designed to meet the needs of young learners who benefit from specialist support, sensory regulation strategies, and consistent adult guidance.
About the Provision:
The provision supports a small group of pupils who require a more specialist learning environment within the mainstream school setting. Many pupils have significant communication needs, developmental delays, or Autism profiles, and benefit from:
* Structured routines
* Visual communication systems
* Sensory regulation strategies
* High levels of adult support
There is also a dedicated sensory space used to support pupils with emotional regulation and sensory processing needs.
Some pupils may become dysregulated during the day and may require calm support to help them regulate. There are also occasions where pupils may attempt to leave the classroom environment, so staff must remain attentive and proactive in maintaining safety.
About the Role:
You will work closely with the class teacher and SEN team to support pupils across the provision, which may include:
* Supporting non-verbal pupils in EYFS and KS1
* Using communication tools such as visual aids, PECs or Makaton (training provided if required)
* Supporting pupils who may experience dysregulation or sensory overload
* Supervising transitions and maintaining a safe learning environment
* Assisting in the sensory space when pupils require regulation
* Supporting engagement with structured learning activities
There may be an element of physical support required, so candidates must be confident managing this in a safe and supportive way.
What We’re Looking For:
* Experience working with EYFS or KS1 pupils with SEN
* Understanding of speech, language and communication needs
* Experience supporting Autism or non-verbal pupils
* Strong behaviour management and calm de-escalation skills
* Ability to remain attentive where pupils may present flight risk behaviours
* HLTA experience is highly desirable but strong SEN practitioners will also be considered
This role would particularly suit:
* HLTAs with SEN experience
* Autism Resource Base practitioners
* Speech & Language support staff
* Specialist SEN Teaching Assistants
Why This School?
* Supportive leadership and experienced SEN team
* Purpose-built sensory space within the provision
* Structured and well-supported learning environment
* Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to pupils with complex needs
How to Apply:
Trial days are taking place ASAP, so early applications are encouraged.
0161 537 6500
All applicants will require a fully enhanced DBS and two professional references covering the last two years.