SEN Trainee Teaching Assistant

Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

Hillingdon ( West Drayton) West London
£475-£500 per week (salary is dependent on experience and/or qualifications)
Start date: January 2026

Smart Teachers work with a wide network of Special Needs Schools across England and are passionate about making a positive impact in education. In partnership with local schools, we are proud to run our National Teaching Assistant Programme, supporting those who wish to begin or develop their career as a Teaching Assistant.

We are currently working with a large and well-regarded special school in Hillingdon (UB8), rated Good by Ofsted, who are seeking a Teaching Assistant with experience in behaviour management to join their team from January 2026

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in one of the borough’s largest special schools, supporting pupils with a range of complex needs including SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and associated learning differences, within a highly supportive and inclusive environment.

The Programme

Working alongside our client schools, we will provide the successful Unqualified Teaching Assistant with high quality training and paid on the job experience.

Following a successful interview and pending suitability, safeguarding and identity checks, we will work to secure you a paid placement in a school to further develop your skills. You will receive ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.

Prior to starting your placement, you will be required to complete a training programme delivered by Smart Teachers and school leaders, which will give you the essential skills you need to work as a Teaching Assistant.

The Role

The role of a Teaching Assistant is vital in the day-to-day running of Special Needs Schools. The best Teaching Assistants have excellent communication skills and are able to build positive relationships with pupils and staff, quickly and effectively.

Depending on the role and the school, you will be working with the class teacher to manage behaviour, support with interventions, and provide additional support to children. You will assist the class teacher with recording and reporting on pupil progress and behaviour and help ensure that children are making good progress in the classroom.

Requirements
To be considered for the National Teaching Assistant Programme, you will:

Be compassionate, understanding and caring.
Be able to build positive relationships with children and young people.
Be passionate and driven about improving the outcomes for children and young people.
Be flexible, proactive and a team player.
Understand the crucial importance of keeping children and young people safe.
Be able to demonstrate at interview the reasons why you want to start a career in education, and explain your understanding of the role of a Teaching Assistant and the important part they play in the school community.
Be committed to completing the required training and participating in ongoing CPD.
Be willing to pay for an enhanced DBS check and register with the Update Service.
What Smart Teachers offer
As a valued employee of Smart Teachers, you will receive:

Excellent daily rates paid weekly by our in-house Payroll team using the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
Pension contributions
Full compliance with AWR (Agency Workers’ Regulations), to make sure you get the pay and working conditions you are entitled to.
FREE training to help with your professional development such as Team Teach training, online webinars and safeguarding and child protection updates.
Generous refer a friend or colleague bonus scheme.
Access to a dedicated consultant, who will provide ongoing support.
How to apply
If you are an individual who can enthuse, motivate and engage students and would like the challenge of working in a demanding and rewarding environment, then we want to hear from you.

Apply today via this website, or for more information about the training programme please contact the SEN Team on (phone number removed)

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