Special Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) – Autism & Complex Needs
Sutton, Surrey
£90–£100 per day (PAYE, depending on experience)
Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term to Permanent
Start Date: Easter or September
Are you passionate about supporting children with special educational needs?
We are recruiting a Special Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join a highly supportive SEND school in Sutton, Surrey. This is a rewarding opportunity to work with children with Autism (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), physical disabilities, and complex needs in a nurturing, relationship-focused environment.
If you have experience in SEN, Early Years, care, or support work, or a genuine passion for helping children with additional needs, this role offers meaningful, long-term career development.
About the School
This specialist SEND provision supports pupils with Autism, SLD, and complex needs, many of whom are working at an early developmental stage (6–18 months level).
The school provides a structured, sensory-based learning environment where emotional regulation and wellbeing come before academic learning.
Your Role as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students with diverse and complex needs.
- Build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils
- Support students with Autism, SLD, and complex needs
- Assist with personal care (toileting, changing where required)
- Support emotional regulation and co-regulation strategies
- Adapt learning approaches to meet individual needs and engagement styles
- Recognise when students need support to regulate before learning
- Remain calm and resilient during challenging situations
- Support non-verbal and alternative communication methods
Learning Approach & Experience (Desirable)
- Experience or understanding of the following is highly beneficial:
- Early Years / Early Child Development
- Play-based learning & sensory engagement
- Attention Autism / curiosity-based approaches
- Supporting children with non-traditional communication styles
- Candidates from Early Years backgrounds often excel in this setting due to the developmental learning approach.
Who We’re Looking For
- This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for SEN / SEND education
- Has experience with or understanding of Autism, SLD, or complex needs
- Understands that behaviour is communication
- Is patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Brings a positive, proactive attitude
- Is motivated to make a real difference in children’s lives
- Professional or lived experience supporting additional needs
- Backgrounds in care, psychology, therapy, or education
- Team Teach training (desirable but not essential)
Why Apply?
Long-term to permanent opportunity
Supportive and welcoming school environment
Meaningful, impactful work
Excellent experience for SEN career pathways
Ongoing support from a specialist education recruiter
If you're looking for a rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant role in Sutton, apply now or contact Jamie at Parker Smith Inclusion to discuss this or other SEND opportunities.