How to Get a SEN TA Role After a Career Break

Returning to work after a career break can feel daunting, but Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant roles are well-suited to professionals re-entering the workplace. With a focus on care, teamwork and practical support, schools value maturity, patience and real-world experience—qualities many returners bring in abundance. This guide explains how to refresh your skills, rebuild confidence and secure a SEN TA position in the UK.

Understand the SEN TA role and what schools look for

SEN Teaching Assistants (often called SEND TAs) support children and young people with additional needs—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech and language needs, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or physical disabilities—in mainstream schools, special schools, and alternative provision. Day-to-day tasks vary by setting, but typically include:

• Adapting resources and scaffolding learning so pupils can access the curriculum 
• Supporting pupils one-to-one or in small groups, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) 
• Assisting with communication approaches, sensory needs and emotional regulation 
• Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs and therapists to track progress and adjust support 
• Safeguarding pupils and maintaining accurate records 

Schools prioritise professionalism, reliability and safeguarding awareness. You’ll typically need an enhanced DBS check, recent references, and readiness to complete mandatory training. For an overview of the SEND framework, see the SEND Code of Practice from the Department for Education: SEND code of practice (0 to 25).

Refresh your knowledge and training (even if you’ve been away)

You don’t need to requalify to return, but short, targeted CPD will strengthen your application and reassure hiring managers. Consider:

• Safeguarding and child protection refresher courses (Level 1/2): NSPCC Learning
• Introduction to SEND and inclusive practice: nasen
• Autism awareness and practical classroom strategies: Autism Education Trust
• Communication approaches (e.g., visuals, assistive tech, Makaton) via local colleges or LA services 
• Behaviour and de-escalation strategies through your local authority, MAT, or reputable providers 

If you’re starting from scratch, a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification can help—but it’s not always essential. Many schools will hire returners with the right attitude and relevant experience, especially if you can demonstrate up-to-date safeguarding and SEND awareness.

Get recent, relevant experience (even a little goes a long way)

Schools want to see that you’ve worked with children or young people recently, particularly in a SEN context. If you’ve been out of work, build this quickly through:

• Volunteering in a local primary, secondary or special school (ask to support the SEN department) 
• After-school clubs, holiday schemes or tutoring with a SEND focus 
• Charities supporting disabled children and families, such as Mencap or Scope
• Community roles (e.g., youth groups, sports coaching) where you can evidence safeguarding and inclusion 

Aim for at least a few weeks of consistent experience. Keep a simple log of what you did, strategies you used and outcomes you observed—these notes are incredibly useful for applications and interviews.

Update your CV and cover letter to confidently address the break

A career break isn’t a red flag if you handle it directly and positively. Use a clear, skills-focused CV that shows the impact you’ve had and how your experience translates to a SEN classroom.

1. Headline and profile: Use “SEN Teaching Assistant” or “Teaching Assistant (SEND)” and a short summary highlighting your strengths (e.g., calm, patient, proactive, trauma-informed). 
2. Key skills section: Include safeguarding, differentiation, phonics/reading support, behaviour strategies, EHCP awareness, data recording and working with multi-disciplinary teams. 
3. Experience: Add any recent volunteering or temp work first. Use bullet points with action verbs and outcomes (e.g., “Implemented visual schedules which reduced transitions-related anxiety”). 
4. Career break: One line is enough—e.g., “Career break for caring responsibilities (2022–2024). Completed safeguarding refresher and SEN CPD; volunteered in local primary.” 
5. Training and compliance: List DBS status, safeguarding date, relevant CPD and first aid if applicable. 
6. Keywords: Mirror role descriptions so your CV passes automated screening (SEN, SEND, EHCP, behaviour support, scaffolding, 1:1 support, TA Level 2/3). 

Your cover letter should connect your background to the needs of the specific school—reference their ethos, Ofsted report themes or inclusion priorities, and give one or two short examples illustrating how you support pupils to achieve.

Sort your compliance early: DBS, references and right to work

Many hiring delays come from missing checks. If possible, arrange these before you apply:

• Enhanced DBS check (child workforce) and joining the Update Service saves time: Disclosure and Barring Service
• Two recent referees who can comment on your work with children; include a volunteer placement supervisor if needed 
• Right to work and photo ID documentation organised and scanned 

If your DBS has lapsed, many schools and agencies will initiate one for you, but having it ready can fast-track your start date.

Apply strategically: where to find SEN TA jobs in the UK

Cast a wide net while staying targeted to SEN-supportive settings:

• DfE Teaching Vacancies (many support roles are listed): Teaching Vacancies
• Local authority and multi-academy trust (MAT) websites 
• Reputable education recruitment agencies offering temp-to-perm TA roles 
• School websites and local community job boards 
• LinkedIn and professional groups focused on SEND and inclusion 

Set job alerts for titles like “SEN Teaching Assistant”, “SEND TA”, “Learning Support Assistant (LSA)”, “1:1 TA”, and “Behaviour Mentor”. If you’re returning, consider supply or fixed-term contracts to re-establish recent experience and get references quickly.

Prepare for interviews and classroom tasks

Expect scenario-based questions probing safeguarding, de-escalation and differentiation. You may also be asked to support a short activity with a pupil or small group. Prepare to discuss:

• How you’d build rapport with a pupil who avoids tasks or becomes dysregulated 
• How to adapt instructions for a pupil with processing delay or speech and language needs 
• What you’d do if you had a safeguarding concern (know your reporting line and why you never promise confidentiality) 
• How you’d support independence rather than “over-helping” 

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and draw on recent volunteering examples. Keep language pupil-centred and show you understand boundaries, consistency and teamwork.

Showcase transferable skills from your career break

Many returners underestimate how relevant their life and prior work experience is to a SEN TA role. Emphasise:

• Calm communication, patience and conflict de-escalation 
• Organisation, timekeeping and record-keeping 
• Empathy and safeguarding awareness from caring or community roles 
• Digital confidence (assistive tech, visual timetables, simple progress tracking) 
• Collaboration with professionals and families 

If you supported children informally during your break—home learning, care responsibilities or coaching—explain what you did and the impact you observed.

Start sustainably: flexible options and a phased return

If you’re rebuilding stamina or confidence, you can phase your return. Options include:

• Part-time hours or term-time only contracts 
• Temporary or supply roles to sample different settings 
• Job-sharing or roles with a clear progression plan (e.g., 1:1 support moving into class-based support) 
• Regular coaching or mentoring from experienced TAs or the SENCO 

Discuss reasonable adjustments you may need. Schools value openness and will often accommodate a well-planned return.

A simple 7-step plan to land your SEN TA role

1. Read the SEND code of practice and refresh safeguarding basics. 
2. Book short CPD (safeguarding, autism, communication) and note completion dates. 
3. Arrange an enhanced DBS and line up two referees. 
4. Volunteer in a local school or SEND charity for recent, relevant experience. 
5. Update your CV and cover letter with clear achievements and a positive break summary. 
6. Apply widely through DfE Teaching Vacancies, LAs, MATs and reputable agencies. 
7. Prepare for scenario interviews; use STAR examples from your recent experience. 

With a focused plan, your break becomes a strength—not a barrier. Schools need committed adults who can build trust, adapt learning and support inclusion. You already have more of that than you think.

Ready to return?

Start today: refresh safeguarding, line up references, and browse live opportunities near you. Search current SEN TA vacancies on the DfE’s official job service: Find SEN TA jobs. If you haven’t already, check your DBS status and join the Update Service via the Disclosure and Barring Service. You’ve got this—take the first step and apply for a role where your experience can make a real difference.