SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism, SEMH & Complex Needs
Location: Heathrow
Salary: £90–£100 per day (PAYE only, depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: ASAP
A role for people who understand that behaviour is communication
This is not a general classroom support role.
This is a role for someone who understands Autism, emotional regulation, sensory needs and the reality of supporting children whose education has not been straightforward.
The setting supports children and young people with Autism/ASC, SEMH, ADHD and associated communication and learning needs. Many pupils experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload and difficulties with trust, change and attachment. Some pupils are non-verbal or use alternative communication methods. Others present with challenging behaviour that requires calm, consistent and trauma-informed responses.
Children here do not need perfection. They need emotionally intelligent adults who can show up steady, regulated and reliable every day.
The type of setting
This is a specialist SEND environment with small class sizes, high staff ratios and a strong focus on emotional safety before learning. The approach is structured, predictable and relationship-led. Staff work closely as a team and behaviour is understood through a SEND and trauma-informed lens rather than punishment.
You will be supporting pupils whose needs may include:
- Autism / ASC
- SEMH
- ADHD
- SLD and complex learning needs
- Communication differences, including non-verbal pupils
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Anxiety, emotional dysregulation and trauma-related responses
The day-to-day reality
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support pupils either 1:1 or in small groups throughout the school day
- Help children regulate emotionally and sensory-wise so learning can take place
- Use clear boundaries, routines and calm consistency
- Support communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or AAC where required
- Assist with learning activities adapted to individual EHCP targets
- Manage and de-escalate dysregulated behaviour in a safe, respectful way
- Work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff
- Observe, record and feedback on progress, triggers and successful strategies
The honest part
This role can be emotionally demanding. Some days will be challenging. Progress can be slow and nonlinear. You will support children who may shout, withdraw, refuse, struggle to trust or test boundaries before they feel safe.
This role suits people who do not take behaviour personally, who stay curious rather than reactive, and who understand that consistency over time is what creates change.
If you are looking for an easy role or a short-term stopgap, this will not be the right fit.
Who genuinely thrives here
You will thrive if you:
- Have genuine SEND experience, professionally or personally
- Are emotionally resilient and able to self-regulate under pressure
- Believe that behaviour is communication
- Are patient, observant and reflective
- Want to build meaningful relationships, not just manage behaviour
- Are intentionally choosing SEND, not applying for anything available
What is offered
- Competitive daily pay, paid weekly via PAYE only
- Long-term stability within a supportive SEND team
- Ongoing guidance from an experienced SEND recruitment consultant
- Transparent, ethical recruitment with no hidden processes
- Opportunities to develop specialist SEND experience
PSI Inclusion is a specialist SEND recruitment consultancy. We work ethically, transparently and exclusively on a PAYE basis. We place people into settings where they can genuinely thrive, not just fill a vacancy.