SEND Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – SEND & Alternative Provision Support (Full Time)

Location: Portsmouth
Start Date: 2nd November 2026
Contract: Long-Term (Potential to Become Permanent)
Salary: Up to £21,500 per annum
Hours: 32.5 hours per week

Are you passionate about supporting young people who face barriers to learning?

Supply Desk are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join a large specialist school in Portsmouth that supports children and young people across both primary and secondary phases.

This rewarding role would suit individuals who have experience working with children or young people whose additional needs can make traditional educational settings challenging. Whether your background is in care, youth work, SEND, education, psychology, healthcare, or pastoral support, your experience could make a genuine difference to the lives of these students.

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs including Autism, ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs), EBD (Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties), and other complex learning and behavioural needs.

About the School

This large cross-campus provision provides highly personalised support for children and young people who require an alternative approach to education. The school is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships, and achieve success both academically and personally.

Staff take a child-centred approach, recognising that every student has their own journey and may have experienced challenges within previous educational settings. Building trust, consistency, and strong professional relationships is at the heart of everything they do.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to help students access learning, regulate emotions, and engage positively with school life.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting students with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, EBD and other additional needs.
• Building positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviour strategies.
• Working with individuals and small groups both inside and outside the classroom.
• Encouraging engagement in learning and social activities.
• Helping students develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Assisting teaching staff in creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Following behaviour, safeguarding, and support plans consistently.

We’re Looking For

This role would particularly suit:

• Teaching Assistants
• Care Assistants
• Support Workers
• Youth Workers
• Psychology Graduates
• SEND Practitioners
• Educational Support Staff
• Healthcare Professionals with experience supporting young people

Successful candidates will be:

• Calm, patient, and understanding.
• Able to remain resilient in challenging situations.
• Skilled at building professional and trusting relationships.
• Passionate about supporting vulnerable young people.
• Adaptable and able to respond to a variety of emotional and behavioural needs.
• Committed to helping children achieve positive outcomes.

Essential Information

• Full-time availability is essential. Due to the importance of consistency and relationship-building, only candidates available five days per week will be considered.
• Previous experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults is highly desirable.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) preferred.
• First Aid qualification desirable, although training can be provided.

Why Join Supply Desk?

• Competitive salary of up to £21,500 per annum.
• Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.
• Access to training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Refer a Friend

Earn up to £100 by referring a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, or Nursery Nurse to Supply Desk.

How to Apply

If you would like to hear more about this opportunity, please click the Apply button or contact our team on 0238 0230 340.

Safeguarding Commitment

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, maintained throughout employment, and meet Safer Recruitment standards.

(AGY)