How to Become a SEN Teaching Assistant
The Role of a SEN Teaching Assistant
A Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant supports pupils with physical, behavioural, or learning difficulties, working under the guidance of classroom teachers. This support can involve assisting a small group of pupils or working one-on-one in either a special SEN school or a mainstream classroom.
The responsibilities of an SEN Teaching Assistant typically include helping pupils understand instructions and schoolwork using tailored techniques, encouraging pupils’ confidence and independence, and providing feedback and assistance to teachers. You may also be expected to accompany pupils during social activities or in their free time.
SEN Teaching Assistants receive the same training as other teaching assistants, but patience, creativity, and flexibility are crucial in this role. The needs of each child can vary from day to day, and every child may require different approaches.
The roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants differ between schools, but here’s a general overview of the duties you can expect when becoming an SEN Teaching Assistant:
- Prepare learning materials under teacher supervision
- Adapting your approach to learning based on a learner’s needs
- Look after children’s physical, social, and emotional welfare
- Creating a stimulating environment for the children you’ll be working with
- Provide teachers with help and any information that they need
SEN Teaching Assistant
Skills & Requirements
Though schools often set their own requirements for teaching assistants based on their specific needs and those of their pupils, obtaining a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification is a good starting point. This will equip you with the essential knowledge needed for the role and make you more attractive to prospective employers.
Once you’ve earned your Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification, you may consider advancing your skills with a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification. This will allow you to build upon your knowledge and increase your earning potential as you progress in your career.
In addition to the qualification, you might also need GCSEs in English and Maths at grade A to C* (or equivalent), depending on the schools you apply to. These qualifications are also required for certain teaching assistant apprenticeships and courses. If you don’t have one or both, you could take Level 2 Functional Skills courses in English or Maths. These qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs and can also open doors to various job opportunities beyond education.
- Communication
- Organisation
- Perseverance
- Positivity
- Patience
- Open-mindedness
- Flexibility
SEN Teaching Assistant Salary
The starting salary for a SEN teaching assistant is typically around £17,000, but as you gain experience and progress in the role, the average salary rises to around £20,000. This is generally what you can expect as you build experience in the position.
For those who have significant experience or additional responsibilities, such as working in specialised roles, SEN teaching assistants can earn as much as £29,000. However, this salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as the location (areas with higher living costs may offer higher wages), the working hours (whether you work part-time or full-time), and your level of experience and responsibility
- The average salary for SEN Teaching Assistant jobs in London is £21,785
- The average salary for SEN Teaching Assistant jobs in Leeds is £19,698
- The average salary for SEN Teaching Assistant jobs in Birmingham is £21,325
- The average salary for SEN Teaching Assistant jobs in Newcastle is £21,973
- The average salary for SEN Teaching Assistant jobs in Cardiff is £18,258
SEN Teaching Assistant
Working Hours
The average working hours for a full time SEN Teaching Assistant are 32-40 hours a week subject to term times. Some staff work all year round while some take term holidays.
The summer term stretches from the end of the Easter break to mid-July.
It includes a half term week long holiday in late May.
This is usually the busiest time, with later students sitting their GCSE’s.
The academic school year starts in early September, with the term stretching till Christmas.
The winter term is a half term holiday, usually a week long at the end of October.
Most schools have a 2 week end of term holiday stretching over New Year and Christmas.
This is the spring term and stretches from early January to Easter.
Easter usually falls on a different weekend each year, so the end of term two-week break can be either early April or late March.
This term also included a week-long half term break, usually in mid-February.
SEN Teaching Assistant Career Progression
After starting out as a teaching assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to increase your salary and role responsibilities by progressing to a new level.
Typically, there are three levels of experience within the standard teaching assistant role each with their own pay scale/salary. Although most Teaching Assistants go on to become Teachers there’s plenty of options available to further your career for example:
- As an assessor
- As an examinations officer
- In educational research
- As a private tutor
There is also the option to go into a specialised role such as an SEN Teaching Assistant or a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) which would offer a higher salary and more challenging role.