Send Teaching Assistant - Secondary

Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant | Youth Mentor | Local Secondary SchoolsPosition: Full-Time, Long-Term (Term Time Only)Salary: £88.92 - £100 per day (Weekly Pay)Start Date: Immediate / Next TermAre you a relatable, resilient individual who can connect with teenagers and help them navigate the challenges of secondary school? Join our local network as an SEN Youth Mentor and build the foundation for their future independence. A Career in Mentorship & Inclusion Secondary school is a pivotal time, and for students with Additional Needs (SEND), it requires a unique kind of support. We are looking for dedicated individuals to work with students aged 11-16 who face challenges related to Autism (ASD), ADHD, and Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH). This isn't just about academics; it's about being a steady role model during their most formative years. Long-Term Professional Impact: Build deep, trusting relationships over a full academic year, seeing your students gain the confidence to handle the classroom and beyond. Specialised Career Entry: Invaluable experience for those moving into Social Work, Youth Justice, Educational Psychology, or Special Education. Reliable Weekly Pay: Competitive daily rates of £88.92 - £100, paid every Friday via Randstad. Collaborative Support: Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside the SENCO, subject teachers, and external specialists. Your Role as an Independence Coach As a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant, you are the bridge between a daunting curriculum and a student's success. 1:1 Academic Mentoring: Help students break down GCSE-level tasks into manageable steps, ensuring they don't feel overwhelmed by the pace of secondary school. Social & Emotional Coaching: Guide students through the 'social minefield' of the teenage years, from managing breaktimes to developing self-regulation strategies. Exam Access Support: Act as a Reader or Scribe during assessments, ensuring students with learning barriers can accurately demonstrate their knowledge. Proactive De-escalation: Use your rapport-building skills to spot triggers early, helping students stay regulated and focused in a busy school environment. What We Are Looking For We value resilience, reliability, and professional boundaries above all else. You are an ideal fit if you: Can Connect with Teens: You understand the interests and challenges of 11-16-year-olds and can speak their language while maintaining a leadership role. Are Calm Under Pressure: You possess the 'steady hand' needed to handle challenging behaviours with a positive, de-escalating approach. Are Academically Confident: You have a solid grasp of Literacy and Numeracy (GCSE level) to support students across a varied timetable. Are Committed: You hold an enhanced DBS (or are willing to apply) and are 100% dedicated to Safeguarding and student welfare.