Job description
Job: Creative Teaching assistants
Location: Redcar
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (Term Time Only)
Start Date: Immediate
Pay Rate: £95 – £115 per day (depending on experience)
GSL Education are currently recruiting dedicated, resilient, and Creative Teaching Assistants to work in a specialist SEN school in Darlington. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in education, care, or support settings who are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children with complex needs.
The school supports pupils with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, and behaviours that challenge. A calm, patient, and consistent approach is essential. For the right candidates, there is potential for these roles to become permanent.
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The Role
As a Creative Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both academically and emotionally through structured routines, sensory-based learning, and creative approaches such as messy play and hands-on activities.
Some pupils may display behaviours that challenge as a form of communication. You will respond using positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and a trauma-informed approach, working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to follow individual education and behaviour plans.
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Key Responsibilities
* Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and complex needs
* Supporting pupils with behaviours that challenge, including emotional regulation and transitions
* Using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
* Supporting sensory-based learning, including messy play and tactile activities
* Encouraging engagement through creative play, movement, and exploratory learning
* Supporting communication using verbal and non-verbal methods, visual timetables, and symbols
* Supporting personal care when required, including toileting and hygiene
* Promoting independence, confidence, and positive social interactions
* Observing, recording, and reporting progress and behaviour
* Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff
* Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
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Essential Requirements
* Experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs
* Experience working with behaviours that challenge
* A patient, calm, and resilient approach
* Understanding of person-centred care and positive behaviour support
* Confidence delivering sensory activities and messy play
* Willingness to support personal care when required
* Strong communication and teamwork skills
* Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
* DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply
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Desirable (Not Essential)
* Experience working in a specialist SEN school, SEMH setting, or PRU
* Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions
* Experience using Makaton, PECS, or visual communication systems
* Behaviour management training (Team Teach, MAPA)
* Background in care, youth work, psychology, or early years
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Why Apply?
* Competitive daily pay based on experience
* Supportive and specialist school environment
* Opportunity to make a genuine, positive impact on children with complex needs
* A consultant to support you on your journey
* Additional training courses
Apply today or email to discuss this role and other available opportunities.