Teaching Assistant (SEND Focus)

Waterside Academy, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1NZ

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  11 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  20 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Pay Scale - H3 (Term Time Only)
• Additional allowances:

  Pay Scale - H3 (Term Time Only)

Teaching Assistant (SEND Focus) job summary

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant with a strong SEND focus to join our dedicated and supportive team. This role is particularly suited to someone who is passionate about working with children with additional needs and who is confident supporting pupils to make progress towards their individual targets.

A key aspect of the role will involve supporting children in our intervention den, which is our SEND-focused provision used to deliver targeted interventions for some children with EHCPs and a range of additional learning needs. Support within The Den is carefully planned and purposeful, with a clear focus on helping pupils work towards the outcomes set out in their EHCPs and individual support plans.

The role will include working with children across the school, both in class and through leading small-group or individual interventions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children with SEND to access learning and achieve their individual targets
• Delivering targeted interventions in The Den, linked to EHCP outcomes and support plans
• Leading and supporting small-group and individual interventions
• Working with pupils across different year groups as required
• Supporting children’s communication, regulation, independence and learning behaviours
• Working closely with class teachers, the SENCO and external professionals
• Maintaining clear records and contributing to reviews of pupil progress
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children with SEND, or a strong commitment to developing this expertise
• Is confident supporting children with EHCPs and personalised targets
• Can lead small-group and individual interventions effectively
• Is patient, calm and adaptable, with a solution-focused approach
• Builds positive, trusting relationships with children and adults
• Works well as part of a team and communicates clearly and professionally
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare

A relevant qualification (e.g. Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent) is desirable but not essential for the right candidate.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive school community
• Clear systems and leadership support for SEND practice
• Ongoing SEND-focused training and professional development
• Opportunities to work closely with the SENCO and wider inclusion team
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

Safeguarding Statement
Waterside Academy and the Agora Learning Partnership are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references and safer recruitment procedures.

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.

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 school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Waterside Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 177 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Waterside Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/waterside-academy

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