Teaching Assistant

Kempston Rural Primary School are seeking to appoint an experienced Teaching Assistant specialising in complex SEND to join our friendly and committed staff team. This is a fixed‑term role until August 2027, with the potential to extend for the right person. The successful candidate will support pupils with a range of complex needs, including intimate care, sensory and communication needs, and structured developmental support. You will work both individually and with small groups, following a timetabled rotation alongside a dedicated team. About the Role As part of our well‑resourced and creative school environment, you will: Provide high‑quality support for pupils with complex SEND, including intimate care routines, sensory regulation, and communication development. Deliver planned provision for individuals and small groups, following structured programmes and EHCP targets. Use established routines, systems, and resources consistently to support communication, engagement and development. Actively interact, model communication, and build meaningful relationships—understanding that progress is often shown through subtle, “tiny steps” that require patience and sensitivity. Work closely with teachers, SENDCos, and the wider staff team to ensure pupils can access learning and make progress. Maintain accurate record‑keeping, monitoring small but significant achievements, challenges, and daily interactions. Take initiative in the classroom and wider school environment, contributing ideas and responding flexibly to pupils’ needs. Demonstrate resilience and emotional strength in the demands of working with complex SEND pupils within a mainstream setting. Be a reliable, consistent team player in a setting where collaboration is essential. Who We Are Looking For We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in: Early Years settings Complex SEND support Specialist or resourced provision Sensory, communication, or developmental support Working within structured interventions or therapeutic approaches The right candidate will bring: A warm, proactive and hands‑on approach A strong understanding of how to support communication, interaction, sensory needs and emotional regulation The ability to follow structured programmes while also using initiative when adapting to pupils' needs The mindset to celebrate incremental progress and nurture long‑term relationships Confidence in intimate care, physical support and personal care routines Resilience, empathy and a team‑focused attitude Our Environment We are a well‑resourced, creative and highly supportive school offering: A fantastic sensory room Excellent outdoor learning spaces A dedicated TEACCH‑model hub A wide range of structured interventions including Attention Autism, turn‑taking programmes, Sensory Stories, Lift Off to Language, and more Weekly Forest School sessions with qualified practitioners Centralised SEND resources and intervention support A collaborative, experienced staff team who value consistency, communication, and pupil‑centred practice This is a setting where the right candidate can thrive, grow professionally, and make a profoundly positive impact. Working Hours Your working week will be 35.5 hours, as follows: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-3:30pm Friday: 8:00am-1:30pm (A 30‑minute lunch break is included each day.) Why Join Us? You will be part of a committed team in a nurturing, well‑equipped learning environment where: Staff are valued and supported. Training and development opportunities are available. Collaboration and care are at the heart of what we do. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of children with complex special educational needs, we would love to hear from you. Visits to our wonderful school are strongly recommended. Applications will be considered upon receipt meaning that interviews may take place before the closing date.