Special needs teaching assistants support students with special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom as directed by an SEN teacher in order to help pupils succeed with their learning.

SEN teaching assistants can work in a variety of settings including special schools, specialised units attached to a mainstream school or mainstream classrooms working with individual pupils.
The work of a special needs teaching assistant can vary greatly depending on where they are working and the individual needs of the pupils. This could include:

• assisting with pupils' physical needs, including hygiene and feeding, as well as assisting with therapy sessions;
• helping with pupils' school work under the supervision of an SEN teacher;
• helping pupils increase their confidence, self-esteem and independence;
• Helping pupils who have difficulty communicating with others, including those whose first language is not English.

In relation to the student you could be expected to:

• Develop an understanding of the special educational needs of the student/s concerned.
• Take into account the student/s’ special needs and ensure their access to the lesson and its content through appropriate clarification, explanations, equipment and materials.
• Build and maintain successful relationships with student, treat them consistently, with respect and consideration.
• Help promote independent learning.
• Help reinforce learning.
• Assist students with physical needs.
• Help student’s record work in an appropriate way.
• Develop study and organisational skills.
• Help keep the students on task and to build motivation.
• Model good practice.
• Help build the student/s’ confidence and enhance self-esteem.

 
In relation to the Teacher

• To have formal and informal meetings with teachers to contribute to planning lessons / activities.
• To prepare materials and resources.
• To prepare students beforehand for a task.
• To work on differentiated activities with identified groups.
• To support the teacher in implementing specific teaching programmes.
• To supervise practical tasks.

• To carry out structured classroom assessment/ observation and feedback outcomes.

To be involved in keeping records and evaluating identified students’ progress.