SEND Teaching Assistant

Cherry Orchard Primary School, London, SE7 7DG

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  23 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  2 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
• Working pattern: Full time: 35 hours a week Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Pro-rata

What skills and experience we're looking for

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• Experience of working with primary-aged children.
• Experience of supporting children with SEND and/or disabilities.
• A warm, patient and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to inclusion and promoting children's independence.
• Ability to remain calm and consistent when children are distressed or dysregulated.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training, including manual handling and personal care.
• Physical ability and willingness to undertake the manual handling requirements of the role.

Desirable:

• Experience working with children with complex SEND.
• Experience of autism, physical disabilities or sensory needs.
• Experience supporting children with EHCPs.
• Experience of personal care and/or moving and handling.
• Knowledge of visual communication, PECS, Makaton or AAC.
• Relevant qualifications in SEND, education, childcare, health or social care.

What the school offers its staff

We are proud of the specialist support we provide for children with a wide range of additional needs, and we are looking for someone who shares our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, achieve and be included.

You will work alongside teachers, our SEND team and external professionals to support children with a range of needs, including autism, communication and language needs, sensory needs, physical disabilities and complex learning needs.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

What will you be doing?

You will:

• Support children to access learning and participate fully in school life.
• Work 1:1 and with small groups of pupils with SEND.
• Support children's communication, independence, emotional regulation and social development.
• Implement individual support plans and EHCP provision.
• Provide personal care where required.
• Support pupils during lessons, playtimes, lunchtimes and wider school activities.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and celebrate their achievements.
• Work closely with teachers, the SENDCo, families and other professionals.
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.

An important part of the role

This is a physical role and applicants must be able and willing to undertake lifting, moving, transferring and manual handling of disabled primary-aged children, in line with individual care plans, risk assessments, appropriate training and school procedures.

The role may also involve supporting children with mobility, toileting and other personal care needs.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Cherry Orchard Primary School

• Organisation type: Local authority maintained school, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 174 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Cherry Orchard Primary School website
• Email address: sao@cherryorchard.greenwich.sch.uk
• Phone number: 02088566766
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/cherry-orchard-primary-school-london

Arranging a visit to Cherry Orchard Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email sao@cherryorchard.greenwich.sch.uk.

School location

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