How to Get Long-Term SEN Roles Through a Recruitment Agency

Long-term roles in Special Educational Needs (SEN) are a brilliant way to build depth in your practice, develop strong relationships with pupils, and enjoy more stability than day-to-day supply. Whether you’re a qualified SEN teacher, a teaching assistant (TA/HLTA), or a support worker exploring education, partnering with the right recruitment agency can open the door to rewarding, long-term placements across mainstream schools, SEND schools, specialist provisions and PRUs across the UK.

Why Choose Long-Term SEN Roles?

Long-term SEN assignments typically run for a term or more and can extend across the academic year. They offer continuity for pupils—especially those with EHCPs—while giving you time to embed strategies, work closely with families and external professionals, and evidence impact. For you, the benefits include:

• Stability: predictable hours, routines and a consistent setting. 
• Professional growth: deeper exposure to a range of needs (ASD, SEMH, SLD/PMLD) and multi-agency collaboration. 
• Better outcomes: more time to implement interventions and track progress. 
• Career progression: opportunities to step into higher-responsibility roles (e.g., key worker, HLTA, behaviour lead). 
• Potential for permanent offers if the fit is right. 

What Agencies Look For in SEN Candidates

Agencies want to present schools with professionals who are classroom-ready, compliant, and confident with specialist strategies. Strengthen your profile by demonstrating:

• Evidence-based SEN practice: experience with ASD communication approaches (PECS, Makaton), visual timetables, sensory regulation, and de-escalation. 
• Training and certifications: Team Teach/PMVA, Positive Behaviour Support, Moving & Handling/hoist training, Safeguarding Level 2+, Autism/SEMH CPD. 
• Strong safeguarding knowledge: familiarity with statutory guidance like Keeping Children Safe in Education. 
• Up-to-date compliance: an enhanced DBS (ideally on the DBS Update Service), two recent references, right to work in the UK, and full employment history. 
• Curriculum and assessment awareness: understanding of adaptive teaching, targets linked to EHCP outcomes, and tools like the Boxall Profile or PIVATS where relevant. 

Step-by-Step: Securing a Long-Term SEN Role Through an Agency

1. Research specialist agencies: prioritise those with strong SEN networks, transparent compliance, and CPD options. Look for testimonials from SEND schools and PRUs. 
2. Register and submit documents: share your CV, photo ID, proof of address, right-to-work evidence (Gov.uk guidance), qualifications, DBS details, and reference contacts. 
3. Complete vetting and safeguarding checks: respond promptly to reference and DBS requests to accelerate your start date. 
4. Attend a telephone or video interview: highlight your experience with individual EHCP targets, reasonable adjustments, and successful strategies you’ve used in class. 
5. Tailor your preferences: be clear about key stages, types of need (ASD, SEMH, PMLD), setting types, travel radius, and days available. 
6. Prep a targeted profile: your consultant will pitch you to schools—make it easy with a short, achievement-focused bio and up-to-date CPD list. 
7. Trial day or observation: many schools invite shortlisted candidates to visit. Prepare age-appropriate activities and examples of visual supports (e.g., now-and-next, token boards). 
8. Clarify pay and payroll: confirm rate, payroll method (PAYE vs umbrella), holiday pay and timesheet deadlines before accepting. 
9. Start strong: arrive early, absorb behaviour and safeguarding policies, and ask for key pupil information (EHCPs, risk assessments, communication plans). 
10. Seek feedback and extend: schedule check-ins with your consultant; positive feedback often leads to extensions or permanent offers. 

How to Tailor Your SEN CV and Profile

Agencies and schools skim quickly—make your impact obvious. Focus on outcomes and practical skills that transfer to long-term placements:

• Lead with a short profile: mention years of SEN experience, settings (mainstream SEN bases, special schools, PRUs), and specialist skills (PECS, Makaton, de-escalation). 
• Evidence impact: “Implemented sensory circuit and visual schedule; reduced incidents by 40% over a term” reads stronger than generic duties. 
• Name the frameworks: reference EHCP outcomes, graduated approach (Assess–Plan–Do–Review), and collaboration with SENCos, therapists and Local Authority professionals. 
• Show adaptability: examples of differentiated resources, augmentative communication, or task analysis for pupils with SLD/PMLD. 
• Include CPD and certifications prominently: dates and providers for safeguarding, behaviour support, manual handling, and specific SEN courses. 
• Add keywords schools search for: “long-term SEN TA”, “ASD specialist”, “SEMH intervention”, “Team Teach trained”, “visual supports”, “TEACCH”. 

Compliance, Pay and Your Rights

Transparency matters. Before you accept a role, make sure you understand the paperwork and the pay structure:

• DBS and references: keep your DBS on the Update Service and line up two recent referees. 
• Agency payroll: clarify if you’re paid via PAYE (through the agency) or umbrella. Ask about holiday pay (rolled-up vs accrued), pension eligibility, and any admin fees. 
• Rates and AWR: discuss expected daily or hourly rates, travel expectations, and Agency Workers’ Regulations (AWR) parity after 12 weeks (your rights explained). 
• Timesheets and cut-offs: know the submission deadlines to avoid delays and confirm who signs your hours (class teacher, SENCo or admin). 
• CPD and support: ask what training the agency funds (safeguarding refreshers, Team Teach top-ups) and how they handle wellbeing or debriefs after incidents. 

Interview and Trial Day Tips for SEN Settings

Long-term roles are about fit. Show schools you can slot in quickly and add value from day one:

• Study the setting: mainstream resource base, special school phase, or PRU—all have different routines, staffing ratios and behaviour policies. 
• Plan structured, low-demand starters: think sensory-friendly warm-ups, now-and-next boards, and short, visual instructions. 
• Use proactive behaviour support: greet at the door, set predictable routines, offer choices, and narrate positive behaviour. 
• Communicate accessibly: model Makaton signs you know, use visuals, and simplify language; check understanding through demonstration. 
• Know when to escalate: follow de-escalation steps and safeguarding protocols. If relevant, mention accredited training and how you apply it. 
• Reflect after: share what went well and what you’d adjust—schools value reflective practitioners. 

Build Relationships That Lead to Extensions

Consistency and communication are the backbone of long-term success. To increase your chance of contract extensions or permanent offers:

• Be dependable: arrive early, prepare resources, and communicate any concerns promptly to the class teacher or SENCo. 
• Keep clear notes: track triggers, successful strategies and communication preferences; contribute to Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycles. 
• Support the team: collaborate with therapists and other TAs; share ideas for sensory breaks and de-escalation. 
• Offer solutions: volunteer to run interventions, adapt resources, or support with transitions and off-site activities. 
• Show professional curiosity: ask for feedback, embrace CPD, and stay updated on the SEND Code of Practice. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Vague CVs: replace generic duties with measurable impact and named strategies. 
• Slow compliance: delayed references or DBS checks can cause you to miss ideal start dates. 
• Unclear preferences: know your non-negotiables (travel, lifting, personal care) before accepting. 
• Ignoring payroll details: confirm take-home pay and holiday entitlements in writing. 
• Limited availability: schools often prefer candidates who can commit to a full term; communicate any constraints early. 

Ready to Find Your Next Long-Term SEN Role?

With a focused CV, robust compliance, and a proactive approach to interviews and trial days, long-term SEN roles are well within reach. Partner with a specialist agency that understands SEND settings, offers transparent pay, and invests in your CPD. If you’re ready to take the next step, register your details to receive tailored long-term SEN opportunities, or contact our team to discuss roles in your area.