SEN 1:1 Teaching Assistant

Zest Education is working with a nurturing and inclusive primary school in Derby, seeking a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a pupil with additional needs. This full-time role begins immediately and offers the exciting potential to move into a permanent position from September.

 About the Role:

This role is centred around one-to-one support for a pupil with special educational needs, likely related to autism, ADHD, or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. You’ll work closely with class teachers and SENCOs to adapt learning activities, manage behaviours with sensitivity, and build a consistent, trusting relationship with the pupil.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Supporting the pupil during lessons to help them stay focused and engaged

• Preparing tailored resources to suit their learning style

• Promoting social and emotional development through structured play and conversation

• Encouraging independence while recognising when additional help is needed

• Communicating with teachers, parents, and outside professionals

This role suits someone who is patient, calm under pressure, and confident in adapting to different learning needs.

What You’ll Need:

Essential:

• Previous experience working with children (this can include school, nursery, tutoring, youth work, or care settings)

• A proactive and compassionate approach to supporting SEN pupils

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• A valid DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience working 1:1 with a child with autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs

• Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent)

• Team Teach, MAPA, or de-escalation training

• Knowledge of EHCPs and safeguarding procedures

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to help a child grow, learn, and succeed with the right support behind them. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact in the classroom, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this position or want to find out more, email MIA at mia@zesteducation.co.uk or ‘apply for job’ at the top of the page to submit your details.

Zest Education are an APSCo audited agency and are dedicated to safeguarding children. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS (or allow us to process one for you) and be registered to the DBS Update Service, be able to provide references to cover the last two years and successfully pass all other necessary safeguarding checks prior to clearance for work.

Salary is dependent on experience, training, or qualifications. The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required for this position are recent school-based experience (within the last 5 years within a school that teaches the British Curriculum) and/or care-based experience within the last 5 years.

The role advertised is for temporary supply work.

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