Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants support teachers to help children with special educational needs and disabilities. An SEN school provides pupils with specialist support that mainstream schools are unable to provide – such as facilities, resources, therapy and curriculum access. SEN TAs working in mainstream schools provide this support within the classroom, including time spent in a dedicated learning area.

Thinking of becoming an SEN teaching assistant? Here are our top guidance tips:

Impress your colleagues and take a step closer to your dream job.

1. Start slow

Get to know your student. Different special education needs pupils will require different types of support. Introduce yourself and make sure they are comfortable with you. Explain what you are doing, what work you would like to do with them and ensure you are being extra polite and delicate. Once they are happy, it will be much easier to build a trusting relationship, meaning, your educational journey together will be much more enjoyable for the both of you!

2. Stay calm and positive

On difficult days, when you are scratched, ripped or shouted at, remember to stay calm and positive - remember the circumstances your child is facing and why they may be in distress. Like any job, working with SEN children will come with surprises, it is important to demonstrate empathy and understand that the child's mood change is not your fault.

With experience, you will begin to recognise different ways to control situations and improve your skills in supporting students with complex needs.

Being positive will keep your student focussed and comfortable!

3. Make sure you are patient

This job can be very challenging as you are working with students who have complex needs such as refusal, aggression and repetition. SEN pupils are likely to take longer than other pupils to understand something or complete a task. It is important to offer as much guidance as you can to help them get the task done.

When progress is made, the feeling of reward will be unmatched!

4. Be enthusiastic!

This characteristic is important for anyone working with children! No matter how exhausted or stressed you are, ensure you don’t show this to your student. For SEN pupils, mistakes and struggle can be emotionally taxing and so it is key to keep positive and create a comfortable environment for them to strive and learn. And remember, when they get it right, give them the praise they deserve.

It is your job to inspire these students and keep a friendly face throughout the day!

5. Be as creative as you can be

One of the best benefits of being an SEN TA is the freedom you have over what you teach and how you teach it. Each child's learning process will differ largely and so you will have a chance to think of imaginative ways to enable your student to understand new concepts and meet their personal goals.

As an SEN teacher, you will have to be comfortable adapting to doing various multi-sensory activities such as giant story sacks, singing and dancing, cooking and eating, basically anything that involves making a bit of a mess!

6. Be flexible!

No day will be a repeat of any previous day!

You won’t be working with the same child or 1:1 at all times therefore it is important to display your adaptability as each student's problems and struggles will vary. Ensure you are using the right methods for the right child. When paint is spilt all over the floor, don’t panic! Turn it into an art attack style on the floor. Adjust to the situation whilst ensuring that you are using the right strategies to calm the situation and divert their attention. Don’t expect one tactic to work with every student.

However, following a consistent routine may allow students with Special Educational Needs to feel most comfortable while learning - be prepared and stay organised!

7. Have a strong sense of humour

Working with SEN students will never be easy. SEN staff are extremely caring and open and so it is important to have an open mind and share a laugh with your students and your team! Some days can be more challenging than others, it is so important to find something to smile about.

Laughing can change a whole situation from good to bad - it can spread positivity!

Are you looking for a career within Special Needs? Caring Services have strong links with Schools and Respite Centres around Liverpool, Wirral and Northwest.

Many of our Teaching Assistant Jobs are with SEN children within special provision and mainstream settings. We are always looking for excellent candidates to join our team. Ideally we are looking for staff with previous experience with children with Special Educational Needs and children with physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

We have excellent links with schools and can find you placements with SEN children on a short or long term basis. Many SEN TA jobs will lead to permanent positions. Some jobs are short term and can suit those looking for experience to lead on to Further Education and PGCE’s. Caring Services have SEN Teaching Assistant positions within Early Years, Primary and Secondary settings.

Get in touch if you are looking for Special Needs vacancies. Please visit our vacancies page for all of our recent jobs here >>> https://caringservicesagency.com/vacancies