SEND Teaching Assistant – DL5 Area, Darlington

Location: DL5 Area, Darlington
Salary: £90–£100 per day
Job Type: Full Time
Start Date: December 2026
Setting: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Base
Area of Need: Cognition and Learning

About the Role

Vision for Education is working in partnership with a local school in the DL5 area of Darlington to recruit a caring, experienced and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist SEND base.

This full-time opportunity involves supporting children with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with a particular focus on cognition and learning. The successful candidate will help pupils access learning, develop essential skills and achieve their individual goals in a supportive, structured and inclusive environment.

You will work closely with the class teacher, SEND team and wider school staff to provide tailored support that meets the individual needs of pupils. Children within the setting may require different levels of support with communication, understanding, processing information, concentration, independence and accessing the curriculum.

This role would suit a patient, compassionate and adaptable Teaching Assistant who understands the importance of building positive relationships, encouraging independence and celebrating individual progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils within a specialist SEND base who have a range of additional needs relating to cognition and learning.

• Work alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging, accessible and appropriately differentiated learning activities.

• Provide individual and small-group support to help pupils develop their understanding and make progress.

• Adapt learning resources and activities to meet pupils' individual abilities, needs and developmental stages.

• Break down learning tasks into manageable steps to support understanding and engagement.

• Encourage the development of communication, language, literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.

• Support pupils who may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, processing information or retaining new knowledge.

• Promote independence, confidence, resilience and positive learning behaviours.

• Provide consistent encouragement and reassurance to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.

• Support pupils with classroom routines, transitions and daily activities.

• Implement individual learning plans and follow strategies agreed with the class teacher and SEND team.

• Promote positive behaviour through consistent, supportive and appropriate approaches.

• Create a safe, calm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, other Teaching Assistants, the SENCO and relevant professionals.

• Monitor pupils' engagement and progress, providing feedback to the class teacher.

• Follow the school's safeguarding policies, procedures and expectations at all times.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant within a primary school, specialist provision or SEND setting is desirable.

• Experience supporting children with additional needs relating to cognition and learning would be advantageous.

• A good understanding of differentiated learning and strategies to support pupils who experience barriers to learning.

• Experience working with pupils individually and in small groups.

• The ability to adapt activities and resources to meet a range of learning needs.

• A patient, caring, empathetic and proactive approach.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to build trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues.

• Confidence supporting pupils with different abilities, learning styles and levels of independence.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to working as part of a specialist team.

• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable.

• A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• A genuine passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

What We Offer

As a Teaching Assistant with Vision for Education, you will benefit from:

• Competitive daily rates of £90–£100, paid through PAYE.

• A Guaranteed Pay Scheme, subject to availability and qualifying criteria.

• Pension contributions, subject to a qualifying period.

• Social and networking events.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training opportunities.

• Access to a dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support throughout your placement.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the educational experiences and outcomes of children with additional needs.

About Us

Vision for Education is a market-leading education supply agency committed to supporting schools and helping young people achieve their potential. We work with education professionals to provide rewarding opportunities in schools across the country.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Vision for Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All registered staff will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and must hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.

How to Apply

If you are a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children with SEND, we would love to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a positive difference by helping pupils with a range of cognition and learning needs develop their skills, confidence and independence within a specialist SEND base in the DL5 area of Darlington.

Apply today via this website, or for more information about this role and other opportunities, call our team on 01642 243843.

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