Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants support teachers to help children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
Teach social skills to students.
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
Provide extra assistance to students with special needs.
Observe

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
Teach social skills to students.
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
Provide extra assistance to students with special needs.
Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
Distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.
Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
Clean classrooms.
Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.
Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.
Type, file, and duplicate materials.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or speech-language pathologists.
Assist in bus loading and unloading.
Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.
Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
Collect money from students for school-related projects.
Prepare lesson outlines and plans in assigned subject areas and submit outlines to teachers for review.
Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories and assist students with hardware and software use.
Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Monitor classroom viewing of live or recorded courses transmitted by communication satellites.
Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
Plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids, such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs.
Assist librarians in school libraries.

Read more about Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants typically work around 30 to 40 hours per week.

As a Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant you will typically work evenings.

This occupation tends to be:

Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and

Read more about Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

* from ONETonline

Average salary
34,128 GBP *
per year

* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Average salary for Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

36,670 GBP
33,450 GBP

Average salary for part-time Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

Average salary for full-time Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

Showing:

19,740 GBP
18,690 GBP

34,128 GBP
33,450 GBP
36,670 GBP

Salary over time for Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

Salary for this role has increased over time

34,731 GBP
35,323 GBP
34,601 GBP
34,034 GBP
33,488 GBP
34,978 GBP
34,128 GBP
34,556 GBP
34,439 GBP

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Future outlook for Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants

Very good outlook

43 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

0% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

24% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent

You can do a college qualification to help you get started, for example:

Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Early Years Educator
T level in Education

You may be able to get a placement working with children with special educational needs while doing your course.

Many people get qualifications or experience working with children in mainstream schools, then move into working with children with special educational needs.

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant

Teaching Assistant

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant.

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively

Instructing Teaching others how to do something

Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do

Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

What technical skills do I need?

Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant. Check that you know:

Computer based training software Children's educational software; Text to speech software

Data base user interface and query software Automate the Schools ATS; Blackboard; Data entry software

Device drivers or system software Screen magnification software; Screen reader software

Electronic mail software Email software

Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel

Improve your skills today

Teaching Assistant

Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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Future outlook for Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants

Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

What technical skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant interview

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