You can make a difference, support creatively, and work within a more fulfilling and rewarding career – SENse Learning is offering a unique opportunity for passionate mentors to make a real impact!

You can begin to work in an impact-first role with SENse Learning. Our SEN Teaching Assistant opportunities let you provide one-to-one mentoring and learning support for the most in-need young people, working across a variety of specialisms as an Education Assistant, Education Mentor, and Learning Support Mentor.

We’re engaging associates on a rolling basis, and interviews are being arranged as applications are received.

What makes this SEN Teaching Assistant role right for you:

Imagine a role where you can deliver support to a young person, in a way that works for them. Not based in the classroom, but in students’ homes and out in the community, delivering interest-based, holistic sessions of learning set to the needs of the individual.

Mentoring is not limited to academic subjects; it is about building confidence, encouraging emotional regulation, and supporting the development of key life skills alongside education.

What working with SENse Learning offers:

• Rates: £18–£23 an hour, agreed for each referral and set out in its Service Schedule
• Flexible working: Craft your own schedule with in-person, hybrid, and community-based support opportunities, agreeing session times with parents, carers, or schools
• Your choice of work: Choose how many referrals you take on, and turn down any that don’t suit you
• Meaningful work: Support young people who are often excluded or disengaged from traditional education
• A team around the child: Our Case Coordinators and pastoral and pathways teams work alongside you and the family
• Associate community: Optional practice-sharing events and shared resources
• Introducer fee: Paid when someone you introduce goes on to work with a young person

At SENse Learning, you’ll be part of a community of like-minded practitioners dedicated to forward-thinking approaches to supporting SEND Learners; working alongside a team that believes in shaping a brighter future for every student.

SEN Teaching Assistant role requirements:

• Experience: 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: Ideal for Support Workers, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Higher-Level TAs, Youth Workers, Personal Assistants (PAs), or those with other relevant care or education backgrounds
• Approach: Understanding of how to work in a child-centred, holistic way; you will have the ingenuity and creativity to make the curriculum work in an individual, student-centred way
• Compliance: Enhanced DBS (we can facilitate this if needed) and 2+ professional references
• Location: You must be based in the UK with the right to work in the UK, even for remote / online jobs
• Safeguarding: Knowledge of safeguarding and creating a safe learning environment

What the work involves:

• 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.
• Share progress updates with the student’s team and adapt your support where needed.

At SENse Learning, we are on a mission to raise the standard of education for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), as well as those with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs. We are increasingly supporting children and young people with MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties), SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties), and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). We passionately believe in the transformative power of education, and through bespoke, one-to-one lessons, the associates we work with make a positive impact on students’ lives every day. Join us and be part of our mission!

Applying:

• Apply in less than 5 minutes via our mobile and browser-optimised application form
• Interviews are being scheduled on a rolling basis – apply now and start making a difference!
• We welcome mentors from all backgrounds – our learners come from diverse communities and our organisation must reflect and represent their experiences

We take Safer Recruitment seriously. All candidates must pass our safer recruitment checks, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people.

Engagement terms:

• You’ll work with us as a self-employed associate under a contract for services, choosing which referrals to accept and free to work with other organisations
• If you aren’t registered as self-employed yet, we can point you to resources on how to register
• This is not a PAYE position
• You’ll need your own professional indemnity and public liability insurance

Relevant Job Titles / Previous Experience:

Individuals with highly relevant experience from teaching background often have worked in the following roles:

• SENDCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator)
• SLD / MLD Teacher
• Autism / ADHD Support Teacher
• Intervention Specialist / Teacher / Tutor
• Ex-Teacher

Other highly relevant roles from therapeutic and learning support background include:

• Learning Support Assistant (LSA) / Teaching Assistant (TA)
• Educational Therapist
• Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)
• Educational Psychologist (EP)
• Inclusion Coordinator

If you hold one of these roles, meet our requirements, and are considering independent practice, please do consider applying with us.

Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. We aim to respond to all successful applicants within two weeks.