Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Job Type: Full-time, 8:30am – 4:00pm

Location: Merton

Salary: £96 – £105 per day

The Role: Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Needs Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and inclusive school in Merton. This role focuses on providing tailored support to pupils with Autism, physical disabilities, and other complex needs. The ideal candidate will have a calm, patient, and proactive approach, with a genuine passion for supporting children with special educational needs.

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will work 1:1 or in small groups, helping pupils access learning, develop independence, and build confidence both in and outside the classroom. You will also assist with personal care or physical support where required, depending on the individual needs of the students.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a setting where inclusion and respect are central to the school’s ethos.

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will be expected to:

• Provide personalised support to pupils with Autism and physical disabilities.
• Support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Adapt classroom materials and activities to meet individual learning needs.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, therapists, and other staff.
• Use communication strategies (e.g. PECS, Makaton, visual timetables) where appropriate.
• Assist with mobility, accessibility, and personal care for students with physical needs.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide regular feedback to the SEN team and parents.
• Promote independence and encourage positive behaviour and resilience.

Qualifications and Requirements – Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton

• Previous experience working in a SEN setting (Autism and/or physical disabilities essential).
• A strong understanding of inclusive teaching and differentiated support strategies.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-player attitude.
• Patience, adaptability, and a nurturing approach to working with children.
• Relevant training or qualifications in SEND (desirable but not essential).

Benefits – Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton

• A welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Valuable experience supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Collaboration with a highly experienced SEN team and external specialists.
• Competitive daily rate and potential for long-term progression.

Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton