What Does a SEN Teaching Assistant Do?
A SEN teaching assistant helps pupils with special educational needs learn and develop by supporting them in the classroom under the supervision of the class teacher. An SEN teaching role is remarkably varied, and there are different types of SEN teaching you can specialise in, such as helping children with Autism, visual impairment, or learning disabilities.
Your role is to ensure that the pupils you work with get the most out of their learning and enjoy their time at school. SEN teaching assistants are required in both primary and secondary schools, as well as schools designed specifically for special needs pupils only.
The responsibilities of s SEN teaching assistant
Typical tasks of an SEN teaching assistant include:
- Preparing materials for lessons and lesson planning with supervision from the class teacher
- Working inside or outside the classroom on and one to one basis with special needs pupils or in small groups
- Being flexible in your support depending on the individual and type of needs
- Being responsible for the safeguarding of pupil's physical, emotional, and social wellbeing
- Helping to create a stimulating learning environment for the pupils you care for
- Passing on relevant information to teachers and parents
- Keeping records and attending review meetings
- Working alongside other professionals and specialists such as physiotherapists or speech and language therapists
You may also be required to:
- Attend meetings and training workshops
- Organise and attend trips or events (that may take place both inside and outside of school)
What skills does a SEN teaching assistant need?:
To perform the above tasks well, you will to demonstrate:
- Flexibility - this is a varied role, the demands, and challenges of which may vary from one day to the next.
- Patience - being patient and calm around the pupils in your care is imperative. Some days pupils' behaviour may be challenging and testing, so it is crucial to exercise patience and consistency at all times.
- Open-mindedness - it is vital to be able to be accepting and judgement free with the ability to cope with a wide range of needs and seamlessly adjust to new patterns of behaviour with minimum disruption to the pupil.
- Positivity - the role of a SEN teaching assistant, can sometimes be both physically and emotionally demanding. Remaining upbeat even when you have a tough day can help you stay cheerful and positively affect those around you too.
- Organisation - sticking to a well-structured routine is often critical for pupils with special educational needs.
- Excellent communication - you'll need to be able to communicate clearly not just to your pupils but also to other teachers, parents, and carers, working hard to build a rapport and an excellent relationship with all of them.
Find SEN teaching assistant roles at Horizon Teachers today
If you are looking for your next career move in education, browse the jobs board on our site today. Alternatively, if you have any questions or require any advice, our experienced team is on hand and ready to help - so get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.
