If you’re looking for a role in SEN education, you might wonder what schools value most. Qualifications are important, but you’ll need skills beyond these in order to be a good fit for the role and be the best person to suit the needs of the children you’ll be working with on a daily basis.

To help you decide if this extremely rewarding role is the perfect one for you, we’ve drawn up a quick list of the top skills our schools look out for in their SEN teaching assistants.

Patience (and then a bit more patience!)

In SEN settings, progress may take time. This is absolutely OK! To ensure all pupils are set up to achieve their potential, schools want people who can stay calm, adapt easily, and celebrate small wins with positivity and compassion.

Adaptability

No two days are ever the same. You might start the morning supporting literacy work and end the day with a sensory activity. Schools love candidates who can switch gears without losing steam. When it comes to supporting students with their learning, adaptability is crucial, as it means you’ll always be ready for a challenge.

Communication skills

This isn’t just about speaking clearly, it’s about listening carefully, using non-verbal cues, and adapting your communication style to each pupil’s needs. You’ll need to have a genuine interest in communicating in a way that the students you work with understand most, whether that’s through Makaton, BSL (British Sign Language) or other communication methods.

Empathy

Understanding a pupil’s world, even when it’s very different from your own, is incredibly important. Schools look for staff who can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and respond to challenges with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork

In SEN settings, teachers, TAs, therapists, and parents all work together. Being able to collaborate and share knowledge is a must. Teamwork is an essential part of working at a school, and in SEN settings, this links heavily with communication and empathy to ensure everyone is best placed to support the children you are working with.

SEN Teaching Assistant Jobs at Smile Education

If you can show you’ve got these skills, you’re already ticking the biggest boxes for schools that are looking for someone just like you.

We work with SEN schools, multi-academy trusts and mainstream schools in need of 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistants across the Midlands and North West. Our specialist SEN team have tonnes of experience in placing staff at local schools that suit them, and we’d love to chat with you about finding the right role for you.

To chat to us, simply call 0121 392 6570, use our live chat or get in touch here and a member of our friendly SEN team will get back to you.