SEN Teaching Assistant


Company:	Harris Federation
Salary:	£29,436 to £29,856 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, BR5 4LZ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Oct 2026
Closing date:	6 Nov 2026

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Summary

About UsOur aim is to provide our pupils with a well-rounded and enjoyable education that ensures each child succeeds academically, physically and emotionally - preparing them for life in an ever-changing world. We have identified three Core Values, which underpin everything we do in school: Ready - Respectful - Safe

They are our foundations and we have a clear expectation that all adults as well as children and staff model and respect these values both inside and outside the academy. These foundations have enabled us to build high quality, inspiring education for our children. This is reflected in both the exceptional day to day practice here as well as the improving outcomes our children have achieved in each year.

Our knowledge rich curriculum has been designed to challenge and inspire the children; exposing them to a wide variety of exciting experiences including visits, events, sports, music and drama but also time to reflect and respond. As a result, our children develop excellent behaviour and social skills while they learn.

We are extremely proud to be part of the Harris Federation which combines 55 primary, secondary and all-through academies across London. As part of a thriving community of schools we benefit from the ability to share, learn, support and challenge each other as we grow together.

If you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us. SummaryHarris Primary Academy Orpington is looking for a Teaching Assistant to support individuals and groups of children, including those with SEN. The successful candidate will be involved in first aid related matters and have a basic knowledge of SEND and learning barriers.

The actual salary for this role will be £24,748.88 - £25,102.01 (37.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year). Main Areas of ResponsibilityYour role will include:

Supervising and supporting identified children, in 1:1, group or whole class situations, ensuring their safety and access to learning

Assisting in the development of appropriate resources, schemes of work and teaching strategies

Assisting in evaluating identified children's progress

Providing detailed and regular feedback to teachers on children’s achievement, progress and needs

Leading small group sessions and interventions

Attending to children's personal needs where required, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid and welfare matters

Supporting with behaviour management

Contributing towards a purposeful and supportive learning environment.

Undertaking structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities to ensure achievement of learning goals

Assisting with the supervision of children out of lesson times, such as playtime and lunchtime duty

Establishing good relationships with children, acting as a role model

Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all children, supporting difference and ensuring that all have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop

Supporting children with their learning and development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, Key Stage and/or subject specific

Encouraging children to interact with others and engage in activities

Preparing and clearing the classroom assisting with the display of children’s work

Preparing and maintaining equipment and resources and supporting children in their use

Undertaking record keeping

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with parents/carers

Providing general administrative support

Qualifications & ExperienceWe would like to hear from you if you have:

Qualifications to degree level or equivalent

Basic knowledge of SEND and learning barriers

Some knowledge of strategies in working with young people with challenging behaviours

Knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Awareness of Health and Safety issues in the workplace.

Experience of working directly with young people in an education or training environment, supporting the learning of students.

Experience of establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders, at all levels.

Experience of managing and being responsible for own workload.

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack. Professional Development & BenefitsOur people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.Safeguarding NoticeThe Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.Equal OpportunitiesThe Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment. Next StepsIf you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

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