Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)

Location: London Borough of Ealing
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term | Term-Time Only
Start Date: ASAP or Next Term
Pay: Competitive, dependent on experience

Support. Structure. Belief. Become an SEN Teaching Assistant in Ealing

In the London Borough of Ealing , schools are looking for more than just classroom support — they are looking for people who believe in children, especially those who need extra help to navigate school life.

We are currently recruiting Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistants (SEN TAs) to work across a range of primary and secondary schools in Ealing. These roles are ideal for individuals who want to make a tangible difference, develop specialist skills, and work in schools that genuinely value inclusion and pastoral care.

Why Ealing?

Ealing is widely recognised for its commitment to inclusive education and early intervention. Schools across the borough work closely with SEN professionals, therapists, families, and local services to ensure pupils with additional needs are supported holistically — not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

You could be working in:

• Mainstream schools with strong SEN departments

• Resource bases supporting pupils with additional needs

• Specialist provisions focusing on communication, behaviour, or learning needs

Each school has its own identity, but all share a commitment to ensuring pupils with SEN feel understood, supported, and capable.

Your Role as an SEN Teaching Assistant

As an SEN TA, you will work closely with pupils who face barriers to learning and engagement. Your role is to help remove those barriers through patience, structure, and encouragement.

Day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with identified SEN

• Supporting small groups with targeted interventions

• Assisting pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs, dyslexia, and global developmental delay

• Helping pupils stay focused, regulated, and engaged in lessons

• Supporting emotional wellbeing and behaviour management

• Encouraging communication, social interaction, and independence

• Working with teachers to adapt lessons and resources

• Supporting the delivery of EHCP targets

• Observing and recording progress

• Supporting transitions between lessons and activities

• Helping pupils navigate social situations during break and lunchtime

Some roles may also involve:

• Supporting sensory regulation activities

• Assisting with personal care (only where required and with training)

• Supporting pupils during off-site activities or therapies

Who Schools Want to Hear From

Schools in Ealing are open to a wide range of candidates. Experience is valuable, but mindset matters more.

You could be a great fit if you are:

• Calm, empathetic, and resilient

• Comfortable working with children who may struggle with regulation or behaviour

• Able to build trust and consistency

• Observant and proactive

• Happy to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Passionate about inclusive education

Common backgrounds include:

• SEN Teaching Assistants or Learning Support Assistants

• Support workers or care workers

• Psychology, education, or youth work graduates

• Behaviour mentors

• Nursery or early years practitioners

• Individuals with personal or family SEN experience

If you are new to SEN but eager to learn, many schools offer strong onboarding and mentoring.

What Makes SEN Work Different (and Rewarding)

Working as an SEN TA is not about quick wins. Progress can be slow, non-linear, and sometimes invisible to others — but incredibly meaningful.

Success might look like:

• A child staying in class for a full lesson

• A pupil using words instead of behaviour to express frustration

• A learner making eye contact for the first time

• A student believing they can succeed

These moments matter — and SEN TAs are often at the heart of them.

Training, Support & Development

Schools in Ealing understand the importance of supporting their support staff. Many offer:

• SEN-focused CPD

• Behaviour and de-escalation training

• Autism awareness training

• Opportunities to progress to higher-level TA roles

• Clear communication with SENCOs and leadership teams

For those considering future careers in teaching, psychology, therapy, or SEN leadership, this role provides invaluable experience.

Working Conditions & Expectations

• Term-time only

• School hours (typically 8:30am–3:30pm)

• Long-term stability rather than short-term supply

• Supportive school environments

• Clear behaviour policies and safeguarding procedures

While the role can be emotionally demanding, schools work hard to ensure staff feel supported, valued, and listened to.

Safeguarding Commitment

All SEN Teaching Assistant roles are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS clearance

• Safeguarding training

• Ongoing adherence to school policies

Ealing schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a role where your patience, empathy, and commitment truly matter, becoming an SEN Teaching Assistant in Ealing could be the next step in your journey.

You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to care, show up, and believe in the potential of every child.