SEN Teaching Assistant (Healthcare Assistant Background)
Location: Ashford
Salary: £83.33 – £89 per day
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Day-to-day/Long-term, Part-time/Full-time

Are you a Healthcare Assistant looking for a rewarding new role beyond the clinical setting? At GSL Education Kent, we have a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant in Ashford — ideal for individuals with a healthcare assistant background who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

This is your chance to transfer your hands-on care experience into a nurturing educational environment, where your ability to build trust, provide calm support, and assist with a range of needs will make a daily impact. As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll be working closely with children who require additional help due to autism, SEMH, medical conditions, or other learning challenges.

The school is a welcoming, inclusive setting in Ashford, known for its strong focus on pastoral care and pupil well-being. Staff are valued, supported, and provided with regular development opportunities. You’ll be joining a team that works collaboratively to create a positive and structured environment where children can thrive.

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 or small group support to children with SEN, including ASD, ADHD, and SEMH.
Supporting students with physical or medical needs, including personal care where required.
Helping implement personalised learning plans, behaviour strategies, and sensory regulation tools.
Using your healthcare assistant skills to create a calm and structured space that supports emotional and academic growth.
Working closely with teachers, therapists, and SENCOs to deliver holistic care in the classroom.

To be considered for the SEN Teaching Assistant role, you will:

Have a background as a Healthcare Assistant or similar care role.
Be confident supporting children with additional and complex needs.
Bring patience, resilience, and a calm, caring approach to every day.
Be adaptable and able to follow guidance while using your initiative.
Hold (or be willing to obtain) an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service.

What GSL Education Offers:

Competitive daily rates and access to long-term roles.
Training and ongoing support to help you transition from healthcare into education.
A dedicated consultant who will guide you through the recruitment and placement process.
Opportunities to make a genuine difference in the lives of young learners.

Please be advised that this SEN Teaching Assistant role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

If you’re a Healthcare Assistant ready to make a difference in a school setting as a SEN Teaching Assistant, click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your CV. One of our friendly consultants will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

For more information on this SEN Teaching Assistant role, or other upcoming opportunities, please contact Kate at the GSL Education Kent office.