SEND Teaching Assistant

SEND Teaching Assistant – Stowmarket, Suffolk

Full-Time | Long-Term 

Start Date: ASAP 

We are working in partnership with a specialist SEND school based in Mid Suffolk to recruit a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant for a full-time, long-term position, with the opportunity to transition into a permanent contract following a successful period via Tara Professional Recruitment.

Set within a unique, beautifully set faculty within rural environment, the school provides a highly structured, hollistic and nurturing setting for pupils with Autism and associated social, emotional, and communication needs. The setting is known for its therapeutic approach, smaller class sizes, and strong focus on developing independence and life skills.

The Role

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Assist in delivering personalised learning tailored to individual needs
• Help manage behaviour through structured, consistent, and calm approaches
• Support pupils with Autism, SEMH, and communication needs
• Work closely with teaching staff and therapists to provide a joined-up approach to learning
• Contribute to a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment

This SEND Teaching Assistant role requires consistency, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs.

The School Environment

The school supports pupils who may present with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Behaviour that can be challenging at times

The environment is highly structured and therapeutic, with a strong emphasis on routine, relationship-building, and emotional regulation. The rural setting allows for a calmer atmosphere, which is key to supporting pupils effectively.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience working within SEND or SEN settings
• Is confident supporting pupils with Autism and/or SEMH needs
• Is calm, resilient, and able to build positive relationships
• Can remain consistent and professional in challenging situations
• Is proactive and willing to learn and adapt

Candidates from care, support work, youth work, or similar backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Full-time availability (Monday–Friday)
• Ability to start between April & May 2026
• 2 years of professional references
• Willingness to undergo compliance checks
• DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one through Tara)

The Opportunity

• Full-time, long-term SEND Teaching Assistant role
• Opportunity to move into a permanent position following a successful placement
• Work within a well-supported, specialist environment
• Gain valuable experience in a therapeutic SEND setting

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity for a SEND Teaching Assistant to secure a stable, long-term role within a specialist school that genuinely invests in both its pupils and staff.

For the right SEND Teaching Assistant, this role offers career progression, consistency, and the chance to make a lasting impact in a supportive and structured environment.

Please wait for contact from our Senior Recruiter team at Tara or feel free to call us directly.

About Tara

We provide a dedicated and committed service to candidates, supporting teachers and support staff in their search for suitable & regular work and excellent Teacher Referral Bonuses. Tara Professional Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer, and encourages applications from all interested parties.

All applicants will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit. 

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people and work diligently to help raise the standards of education within our schools.
Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.