SEN TA Job Descriptions Explained: What to Expect

Thinking about becoming a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant in the UK? Whether you’ve worked with children before or you’re brand new to education, understanding an SEN TA job description will help you decide if the role is the right fit and prepare you to apply with confidence. This guide explains typical responsibilities, the skills schools look for, essential checks and training, where you might work, and how to stand out in applications.

What does an SEN Teaching Assistant do?

An SEN Teaching Assistant (sometimes called a SEND TA, Learning Support Assistant or LSA) supports pupils with additional needs so they can access learning, participate fully in school life and make progress. You’ll usually work under the direction of a class teacher and/or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), providing one-to-one support, small-group interventions, and whole-class assistance.

The role varies by school and pupil needs. You may support children with autism (ASD), ADHD, speech and language needs, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, sensory processing differences, dyslexia, or physical disabilities. Your focus is on removing barriers and promoting independence, not doing the work for the pupil.

• Deliver one-to-one or small-group support aligned to EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) targets. 
• Adapt resources and tasks (e.g., simplifying instructions, using visuals, chunking work, using assistive tech). 
• Implement strategies like PECS, Makaton, Now/Next boards, or structured routines for predictability. 
• Support communication and social interaction during lessons, breaktimes and transitions. 
• Track progress and record observations to feed back to the teacher, SENCO and parents/carers. 
• Help with behaviour regulation using de-escalation and positive behaviour support plans. 
• Provide personal care or medical support where required and appropriately trained. 
• Prepare learning spaces and resources and contribute to a safe, inclusive classroom environment. 

Skills and qualities employers look for

Schools want SEN TAs who are compassionate, consistent and proactive. Because needs and timetables can change at short notice, flexibility and problem-solving are essential. Strong communication helps you build trust with pupils, collaborate with teachers and liaise with parents or therapists.

Evidence of resilience, calm under pressure and a positive mindset will stand out. If you’ve worked in childcare, youth work, healthcare, social care or as a volunteer in schools, highlight transferable skills and real examples of impact.

• Excellent communication (verbal, written and non-verbal) with pupils and adults. 
• Patience, empathy and the ability to build rapport and motivate reluctant learners. 
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries. 
• Behaviour support: calm de-escalation, restorative approaches, consistency. 
• Organisation and attention to detail for planning and record-keeping. 
• Adaptability: tailoring tasks, using visuals, and differentiating support. 
• Growth mindset: reflective practice and willingness to learn. 

Qualifications, training and checks

There’s no single mandated qualification to be an SEN TA, but many schools prefer candidates with relevant training and experience. Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications are widely recognised, and short courses in autism, speech and language, behaviour support or literacy interventions add value. Training in Makaton, PECS or Team-Teach/PRICE (or equivalent) can be advantageous depending on the setting. Early career applicants can still succeed by showing commitment, relevant volunteering and strong references.

All roles in UK schools require strict safeguarding and compliance. Agencies and schools will complete safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

1. Enhanced DBS check and barred list check (updated through the DBS Update Service where possible). See Disclosure and Barring Service. 
2. Right to work in the UK and verification of identity, qualifications and employment history. 
3. References covering recent employment or volunteering with children/young people. 
4. Safeguarding and child protection training (updated regularly). 
5. Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (0–25) and how EHCPs inform support. 

Where you’ll work and typical hours/pay

SEN TAs are employed across mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision (including PRUs), and FE colleges. Your timetable may include support in English, maths and phonics; life skills; sensory circuits; social communication groups; or vocational learning. In some settings you’ll work closely with therapists (e.g., SALT, OT) to embed strategies into lessons.

Hours are usually term-time, roughly 8:15–3:45, with occasional meetings or training. Roles can be permanent, fixed-term (often linked to an EHCP or funding), or via supply agencies for day-to-day or long-term cover. Pay varies by region, experience and setting. As a broad guide, many SEN TA roles fall within local authority support staff scales; actual salary is often pro-rata for term-time only. Daily supply rates and inner-London supplements can be higher. Check specific adverts for grade, hours and benefits.

How to stand out in applications and interviews

Tailor your CV and personal statement to the SEN TA job description. Mirror the school’s language around values (inclusion, high expectations, safeguarding) and needs (e.g., ASD, SEMH, speech and language). Evidence matters: use brief, outcome-focused examples showing how your support improved engagement, independence or progress.

• Showcase impact: “Introduced a visual timetable; pupil increased on-task time from 5 to 20 minutes over 6 weeks.” 
• Highlight collaboration: work with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and parents. 
• Reference strategies: PECS, Makaton, sensory breaks, Zones of Regulation, precision teaching, social stories. 
• Demonstrate reflective practice: what you learned and how you adapted. 
• Prepare scenario answers on safeguarding, confidentiality, and de-escalation. 

For interviews, prepare a short activity or outline how you would scaffold a task for a pupil at different stages (e.g., using first-then, modelling, guided practice, fading prompts). Be ready to discuss how you promote inclusion while fostering independence rather than dependence.

Progression and long‑term career paths

SEN TA roles can lead to specialist positions and further study. Many professionals progress to HLTAs (Higher Level Teaching Assistants), pastoral or behaviour mentors, therapy assistants, or take routes into teacher training (e.g., School Direct or PGCE). Others pursue qualifications in speech and language support, autism practice, or mentoring. Seek CPD through your school, local authority or reputable providers. The National Autistic Society and charities such as Mencap and Scope offer training that’s valued by schools.

Regularly reflect on your strengths and interests—communication support, literacy interventions, sensory integration, assistive technology—and map CPD to the needs of the pupils you support.

Key takeaways from an SEN TA job description

While each school advert is unique, most SEN TA job descriptions emphasise inclusion, safeguarding, collaboration and evidence-led support that helps pupils achieve their EHCP outcomes. If you can demonstrate empathy, consistency, and an ability to adapt learning, you’ll be a strong candidate.

• Focus on enabling independence and progress, not just task completion. 
• Use clear, consistent strategies and record impact diligently. 
• Keep safeguarding and professional conduct at the heart of your practice. 
• Invest in CPD that matches the needs of your pupils and setting. 

Ready to take the next step? Explore current support roles on the Department for Education’s Teaching Vacancies website or search for SEN TA jobs near you. If you’re new to the sector, consider volunteering a day a week to gain experience, then apply for roles aligned to your strengths. The right school will value your potential as much as your qualifications—start your journey today.