Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Barnet (North London)
£90–£100 per day PAYE (depending on experience)
Monday to Friday | 08:30am – 3:30pm | Term-time only
Full-time | Long-term to permanent opportunity (Full Time Only)
Start: Easter or September
Working with children with additional needs requires patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to supporting individual progress. Every achievement, no matter how small, is significant and built on trust, routine, and a calm, supportive approach.
This SEND provision in Barnet offers a highly supportive and collaborative environment where staff are committed to making a meaningful difference. The team shares a positive mindset and works closely together to provide the best outcomes for the children.
The School
This specialist setting supports pupils with Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), and complex needs. Many students require a high level of support and are working at an early developmental stage, typically within a 6–18 month range.
As a result, the provision is strongly focused on early development approaches and play-based learning.
Key features include:
- Small class sizes with a sensory-based and holistic curriculum
- High staff-to-student ratios to ensure consistency and strong relationships
- A focus on emotional regulation as a foundation for learning
- A supportive and collaborative staff team
- A positive culture where each day is approached with a fresh mindset
The Role
As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will support students with a wide range of needs, including those who may not engage in traditional ways. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Supporting a range of learning and developmental needs
- Assisting with personal care where required (toileting, changing)
- Supporting emotional regulation through a calm and consistent approach
- Recognising when learning needs to pause to prioritise regulation
- Remaining composed and reflective during challenging moments
- Supporting pupils who communicate in non-traditional ways
Approaches to Learning
This setting uses play-based and curiosity-led learning approaches. Experience or understanding in the following areas would be beneficial:
- Early child development
- Play-based learning
- Attention Autism or similar engagement approaches
- Supporting pupils who do not follow traditional classroom engagement
Candidates with an Early Years background often transition well due to the developmental levels of the pupils.
Who This Role Would Suit
This role would suit someone who:
- Has a genuine interest in supporting children with Autism, SLD, or complex needs
- Understands that behaviour is a form of communication
- Is calm, emotionally intelligent, and resilient
- Brings a positive, proactive approach to their work
- Is motivated by making a meaningful difference
- Can reflect on challenges and approach each day with a fresh perspective
Applications are welcomed from individuals with both professional and lived experience, as well as those from backgrounds such as Early Years, care, psychology, or therapy pathways.