SEN Teaching Assistant – Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)

Location: Parsons Green, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Setting: Mainstream Primary School with Specialist Speech & Language SEN Support
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term | Term-Time Only
Start Date: ASAP or September Start

The Role

A highly regarded and inclusive primary school in Parsons Green is seeking a skilled and attentive SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), autism, and associated learning difficulties. This role is ideal for an SEN professional who understands the critical role communication plays in a child’s academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and social development.

Many of the pupils supported in this role struggle to express themselves verbally, understand instructions, or interact confidently with peers. As a result, behaviour, anxiety, or disengagement can arise when communication needs are unmet. The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will work proactively to remove these barriers, enabling pupils to access learning and develop confidence in a structured, supportive environment.

This is a long-term role for someone who values consistency, observation, and relationship-based SEN support.

About the School

The school is located in Parsons Green, serving a diverse and supportive local community. It has a strong reputation for its inclusive SEN provision, particularly in supporting pupils with communication and language needs. SEN support is embedded across the school, with close collaboration between teachers, the SENCO, and external specialists.

The school works closely with Speech and Language Therapists, and Teaching Assistants are actively involved in implementing recommended strategies and programmes. The environment is calm, well-organised, and structured, supporting pupils who benefit from predictability and routine.

The school offers:

• Strong SEN leadership and SENCO guidance
• Clear communication-focused strategies across classrooms
• Access to specialist speech and language support
• A collaborative, professional staff culture
• Clear safeguarding and wellbeing systems

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant with an SLCN focus, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 SEN support for pupils with speech, language, and communication needs
• Supporting pupils with autism who experience communication-related challenges
• Implementing speech and language strategies provided by specialists
• Supporting understanding of instructions, routines, and classroom language
• Encouraging expressive and receptive communication through structured activities
• Supporting social interaction and peer communication
• Adapting learning tasks to ensure pupils can access the curriculum
• Supporting emotional regulation linked to communication frustration
• Working closely with class teachers to reinforce inclusive communication strategies
• Supporting pupils during unstructured times where communication difficulties may arise
• Observing and recording progress in communication and engagement
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

This role requires patience, strong listening skills, and an understanding that communication difficulties often underpin behaviour and learning challenges.

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience supporting pupils with SLCN and/or autism
• Understands the link between communication, behaviour, and learning
• Is calm, observant, and responsive to individual needs
• Can follow specialist guidance and apply strategies consistently
• Builds strong, trusting relationships with pupils
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary SEN team
• Is reliable, professional, and committed to long-term SEN support

Experience working alongside Speech and Language Therapists is highly desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant or similar SEN role
• Understanding of speech, language, and communication needs
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
• Availability for full-time, long-term work

What the School Offers

• A long-term SEN role focused on communication development
• Strong SENCO and specialist support
• Opportunities to develop expertise in SLCN
• A calm, inclusive, and professional working environment
• Ongoing guidance and collaboration with specialists
• Competitive pay based on experience

Why This Role Is Important

This role is ideal for an SEN Teaching Assistant who wants to:

• Specialise in speech, language, and communication support
• Make a measurable impact on pupils’ ability to access learning
• Work in a school that values specialist SEN provision
• Develop long-term skills in a growing SEN specialism

How to Apply

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant seeking a communication-focused SEN role in Parsons Green, we would welcome your application. Please apply with your CV outlining your SEN and SLCN experience.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.