Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant – Complex Needs Support (Bristol)

Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Opportunity
For Experienced TAs, SEN Practitioners & Relevant Graduates

We are working closely with a supportive school in Bristol to recruit a Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex additional needs, including Autism, communication differences, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This role is suited to candidates who already have hands-on experience working with children or young people, particularly in SEN, care, education, or behaviour-focused environments, and who are looking for a meaningful, long-term position where their skills are genuinely valued.

About the Role

You will be working closely with pupils who require consistent, skilled and relationship-led support to access learning and regulate their emotions. Support may take place 1:1 or in small groups, both in and out of the classroom.

Pupils may present with:

• Autism (ASC) and communication needs
• Complex learning needs
• SEMH and emotional regulation difficulties
• Sensory processing differences
• Behaviour linked to unmet needs or anxiety

This is a specialist support position for someone confident, reflective and child-centred in their approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex needs
• Build strong, trusting relationships that promote safety, engagement and progress
• Support emotional regulation, behaviour strategies and positive routines
• Assist pupils in accessing learning in a way that works for them
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and external professionals
• Follow and contribute to EHCP targets, behaviour plans and support strategies
• Promote independence, resilience and confidence
• Help maintain a calm, structured and inclusive learning environment

Who We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for candidates who have real, relevant experience, such as:

• SEN Teaching Assistants or Learning Support Assistants
• Support Workers or Care Practitioners (children or young people)
• Behaviour Mentors or SEMH support staff
• Residential or community-based support roles
• Youth workers or pastoral support practitioners

We also welcome recent graduates (e.g. Psychology, Education, Criminology, Health & Social Care) who have experience working with children or young people in a meaningful capacity.

This role is not suitable for candidates with no relevant experience.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience supporting children or young people (school, care or support settings)
• Confidence supporting behaviour, emotional needs or complex SEN
• Calm, consistent and emotionally intelligent approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work proactively and as part of a team
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience supporting Autism or SEMH
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or neurodiversity-affirming practice
• Team Teach or behaviour support training
• Experience working with EHCPs
• A long-term interest in SEN or specialist education

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
• Long-term stability in a supportive school setting
• Access to SEN-focused CPD (Autism, SEMH, behaviour support, safeguarding)
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant who understands SEN roles
• Opportunity to develop specialist skills and progress within SEN education
• A genuinely rewarding role where your experience makes a daily difference

Why This Role Appeals to Strong Candidates

This position is ideal if you are:

• Experienced and want your skillset to be properly used
• Looking for a role with purpose
• Passionate about supporting children with complex needs
• Seeking a stable, long-term SEN role in Bristol
• Interested in building depth and progression within SEN education

Apply Now – Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant (Bristol)

If you have relevant experience and are looking for a high-quality SEN role where your contribution truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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