Job Description

Teaching Assistant – SEND Support

Location: South London
Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term or Supply
Salary: £105 - £120 per day

About the Role

We are recruiting a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a thriving South London secondary school, supporting pupils with SEND across a range of subjects and key stages. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate without QTS to gain valuable classroom experience in a mainstream secondary environment while making a real difference to students with additional needs.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside subject teachers and the SEND team, providing support to pupils with autism, dyslexia, communication and language needs, and other additional requirements. Your role will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEND in mainstream classes across key stages (KS3, KS4, KS5)
• Facilitating access to the full secondary curriculum through differentiation and adapted resources
• Delivering targeted interventions and small-group work under teacher direction
• Supporting behaviour management and safeguarding protocols
• Assisting with pupil progress monitoring and curriculum delivery
• Enabling positive engagement in whole-school routines and activities
• Collaborating with teaching staff, parents, carers, and external professionals

This is a fantastic role for a recent graduate keen to develop expertise in supporting additional needs within a mainstream secondary school. You'll be part of an inclusive, welcoming South London school with a strong commitment to supporting all learners.

About You

• Recent graduate (any discipline; subject background desirable)
• Genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs within mainstream settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexibly across different subject areas and key stages
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection
• Reliable, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from experienced staff
• Experience working with secondary-age students desirable (school setting, tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements
• Full induction and on-the-job training in a supportive secondary environment
• Excellent foundation for progression into QTS and teacher training
• Exposure to child development, behaviour, and learning needs - ideal grounding for psychology, educational psychology, or specialist education pathways
• Professional development and mentoring from experienced teaching staff
• Opportunity to work with young people across key stages KS3–5
• Environment that supports further study alongside work

Career Progression

Many graduates progress from teaching assistant roles into:

• Teaching (QTS): Develop subject knowledge and secure QTS through school-based training or university-led programmes
• Child Psychology: Gain direct experience with young people and learning needs that supports applications to psychology postgraduate study
• Educational Psychology: Build understanding of curriculum, learning difficulties, and SEND assessment
• Specialist Education: Pursue roles in SEND provision, pastoral care, or educational support services

This role is an ideal starting point for graduates exploring education as a career or developing expertise in supporting additional needs.