SEND Teaching Assistant

Job Category: Secondary

Job Type: Full Time, Temporary

Job Location: St Helens

Pay Rate: £95 – 105

Start Date: September 2026

About the role:

EdStaff are recruiting an enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to work in the SEND base within a mainstream secondary school. The role is to support pupils with SEND, including autism, ADHD and challenging behaviour in smaller groups to allow for a more tailored and adapted approach.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about breaking barriers to learning and supporting pupils to thrive in education by providing a nurturing approach.

Experience of working with children is essential for the role, but we welcome applications from individuals with experience gained in:

\n
• Children’s residential homes
\n
• Mental health or disability support roles
\n
• Youth offending services
\n
• Sports coaching
\n

Key responsibilities:

\n
• Supporting pupils with additional needs in line with their EHCP
\n
• Promote positive behaviour
\n
• Provide tailored learning opportunities for pupils based on their individual learning needs
\n
• Work closely with class teachers and other education professionals, including the SENDCo
\n
• Adhere to school policies and procedures, including safeguarding
\n

Person specification:

\n
• Flexible and adaptable
\n
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
\n
• Ability to engage students aged 11-16 with SEND
\n
• Able to efficiently build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues
\n
• Confident supporting young people with challenging behaviour and/or reluctant learners
\n

Essential requirements:

\n
• At least 5 GCSE (grade C/4 or above), including Maths and English
\n
• Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification or relevant experience in a similar setting
\n
• Enhanced DBS on the update service or willing to obtain one
\n
• Able to provide reference details to cover the last 2-year period
\n

Why join EdStaff:

\n
• A dedicated consultant to support you throughout your job search
\n
• Weekly pay via PAYE
\n
• Free online CPD accredited learning opportunities
\n
• Local roles—we find schools that suit your needs and location
\n
• The opportunity to build strong relationships with local schools – potential for long-term and permanent positions
\n
• Competitive pay rates
\n
• Refer-a-friend scheme
\n

Edstaff are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.