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Location: Dagenham, East London (RM10)
Pay: £100–£110 per day (PAYE/Umbrella, depending on experience)
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday
Start Date: ASAP – Immediate Trial Available
Contract: Long-Term, Ongoing

About the Role
Create Education is looking for a strong, experienced SEN Teaching Assistant or HLTA to join a supportive secondary school in Dagenham on a long-term basis.
You will be providing dedicated 1:1 support for a secondary-aged pupil with Down's syndrome who is currently working at Reception/Year 1 learning level.

Although this is a secondary school setting, the pupil requires support with early primary learning, so we are particularly interested in candidates with a primary school background, especially those who have experience supporting pupils with additional learning needs.

The pupil is verbal but requires additional support with early communication, literacy and numeracy. We are looking for someone patient, confident and proactive who can adapt learning activities to his individual needs while encouraging independence, confidence and progress.

Experience using Makaton would be a real advantage, although it is not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, dedicated 1:1 support for a pupil with Down's syndrome within a secondary school.
• Deliver engaging, tailored learning activities at Reception/Year 1 level.
• Support early literacy skills, including letter recognition, alphabet knowledge, phonics and early reading.
• Develop basic numeracy skills, including number recognition, counting to and beyond 10, and early mathematical understanding.
• Adapt learning materials and activities to suit the pupil's individual ability and pace.
• Use visual resources, practical activities and communication strategies to support learning and engagement.
• Encourage positive communication, social interaction, independence and confidence.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider SEND team to support individual learning targets.
• Monitor progress and celebrate small achievements.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, HLTA or Learning Support Assistant.
• Experience supporting pupils with Down's syndrome, learning difficulties or additional educational needs.
• Primary school experience is highly desirable, particularly in EYFS or KS1.
• Strong understanding of early phonics, alphabet recognition, basic literacy and numeracy interventions.
• Confidence supporting pupils who are working significantly below age-related expectations.
• Makaton experience would be a bonus, but is not essential.
• A patient, nurturing and encouraging approach.
• Ability to adapt learning activities and use creative strategies to maintain engagement.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work independently while following guidance from the SEND team.
• A genuine passion for helping pupils with additional needs achieve their potential.

We would particularly welcome applications from experienced Primary SEN TAs, HLTAs, EYFS/KS1 Teaching Assistants and specialist SEN support staff who are confident delivering early learning interventions.

Apply Today!

If you're an experienced SEN TA or HLTA with a strong understanding of early primary learning and would love the opportunity to support a pupil with Down's syndrome, we'd love to hear from you!

The school is looking to arrange trial days ASAP, so please apply today for immediate consideration.

Contact Abby at Create Education:

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 4531 6850

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.