SEN Teaching Assistant — Sandown

About the role

SENse Learning is offering a unique opportunity for passionate mentors to provide one-to-one mentoring and learning support for young people with special educational needs. This role allows you to work as an Education Assistant, Education Mentor, and Learning Support Mentor, delivering support in students’ homes and the community through interest-based, holistic sessions tailored to individual needs. Mentoring extends beyond academics to build confidence, emotional regulation, and life skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong, positive relationships with children and young people who may have faced significant challenges in previous education settings.
• Provide one-to-one support in homes and community settings, delivering creative and interest-based activities.
• Support the development of life skills, confidence, and independence.
• Use trauma-informed approaches and flexible strategies to support a wide range of additional needs.
• Understand the importance of emotional regulation and implement strategies to model and encourage this.
• Provide feedback and reflections to track progress and adapt support where needed.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience working with children or young people with complex additional needs (e.g., ASC, ADHD, SEMH, EBSA, trauma, PDA, mental health).
• Background as a Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Teaching Assistant (TA), Higher-Level TA, Youth Worker, Personal Assistant (PA), or other relevant care/education roles.
• Understanding of child-centred, holistic approaches and creativity in adapting the curriculum to individual needs.
• Enhanced DBS (facilitated if needed) and 2+ professional references.
• Based in the UK with the right to work.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and creating a safe learning environment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: £18 – £23 per hour.
• Flexible working: Craft your own schedule with in-person, hybrid, and community-based support opportunities.
• Flexible hours: Part-time to full-time hours, arranged in consultation with clients and schools.
• Meaningful work: Support young people who are often excluded or disengaged from traditional education.
• Pastoral and Pathways Support: SENse Learning provides a team around you and the child.
• Community and Company Events: Knowledge sharing and resources.
• Referral Programme: Get rewarded for successful tutor referrals.

Employment Status

This position involves engaging as a self-employed mentor. Guidance is provided for registering as self-employed if needed. This is not a PAYE position.

Relevant Experience

Individuals with experience in the following roles are encouraged to apply:

• SENDCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator)
• SLD / MLD Teacher
• Autism / ADHD Support Teacher
• Intervention Specialist / Teacher / Tutor
• Ex-Teacher
• Learning Support Assistant (LSA) / Teaching Assistant (TA)
• Educational Therapist
• Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)
• Educational Psychologist (EP)
• Inclusion Coordinator