SEN Teaching Assistant - Reception/Year 1

Location: S2, Sheffield

Start date: After October Half-term

Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30am-15:30pm

Pay: £93.00 per day

Reed Education are recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and supportive primary school in the S2 area of Sheffield for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join their Reception/Year 1 team after October half-term.

This locally maintained school has a high proportion of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL), and offers a calm, nurturing environment where relationships are at the heart of everything they do. The school is looking for a compassionate individual who can provide consistent support to pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and significant communication needs, including children who are non-verbal.

The Role

You will work closely with class teachers and the SENCO to support pupils within the Reception and Year 1 setting, helping them access learning, develop communication skills, and build positive relationships within school.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with Autism and additional needs.
• Supporting non-verbal children using communication strategies such as visuals, PECS, Makaton, or other alternative communication methods.
• Encouraging engagement with learning through tailored, child-centred approaches.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and social interaction.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with children, staff, and families.
• Creating a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting children with Autism and SEN, ideally in a school or similar setting.
• Understands the importance of relationship-building and consistency.
• Is patient, empathetic, and genuinely passionate about supporting children with additional needs.
• Can remain calm and positive, adapting their approach to meet individual needs.
• Has experience supporting communication challenges and non-verbal pupils.
• Works well as part of a collaborative team.

What the School Offers

• A warm and welcoming staff team.
• A calm, nurturing atmosphere where pupils are at the centre of every decision.
• Strong support from experienced SEN professionals.
• Opportunities to develop your SEN knowledge and experience.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on children's development and confidence.

If you are a caring and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Reed Education for more information.