SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEN School
Location: Croydon, CR0 – commutable from Thornton Heath, South Croydon, Purley, Norbury and surrounding areas
Pay: £110–£125 per day
Start Date: Immediate
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Long-term temporary with potential to become permanent
Long Term Futures is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Croydon, CR0, supporting primary-aged pupils with a range of additional and complex needs.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who genuinely enjoys specialist SEND education and understands that progress can look different for every child. Rather than focusing solely on academic attainment, you’ll help pupils develop their communication, independence, emotional regulation, social interaction and everyday learning skills.
The school is looking for someone patient, resilient and proactive who can provide consistent support while encouraging pupils to become as independent as possible.
About the Role

• As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
• Provide intensive 1:1 and small-group support for primary-aged pupils
• Support children with needs including Autism (ASD), communication difficulties, learning disabilities and complex needs
• Deliver highly differentiated and individualised learning activities
• Work towards outcomes identified within pupils’ EHCPs
• Support communication through strategies such as PECS, Makaton, visual supports and communication aids
• Help pupils manage sensory needs and emotional regulation
• Support structured routines and transitions throughout the school day
• Use positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies where required
• Encourage independence, social interaction and functional life skills
• Assist with personal care where required, maintaining pupils’ dignity at all times
• Record progress and communicate observations with teachers and specialist staff

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN/SEND is essential
• Specialist school experience is highly desirable
• Experience with Autism, complex needs, learning disabilities or communication needs
• Confident providing high levels of individualised support
• Understanding of sensory processing and emotional regulation
• Experience with PECS, Makaton, visual communication or AAC would be advantageous
• Comfortable supporting personal care where required
• Calm and consistent when supporting pupils who may become dysregulated
• Patient, resilient and able to celebrate smaller steps of progress
• Proactive and comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary SEND team
• Available to start immediately and commit to a long-term position

About the School

• Specialist SEN setting in Croydon, CR0
• Primary-aged pupils with a range of additional and complex needs
• Small-group and highly individualised learning
• Strong focus on communication, independence and pupil wellbeing
• Experienced specialist teaching and support team
• Structured, inclusive and nurturing learning environment

Why Work with Long Term Futures?

• Full-time, long-term opportunity within specialist SEND
• Potential progression into a permanent school-based position
• Weekly pay
• Free CPD covering SEND, Autism, Behaviour Management and Safeguarding
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

Next Steps
If you’re an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking to develop your career within a specialist SEN school in Croydon, apply today with your CV.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Hannah at Long Term Futures.
Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.