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

Are you a dynamic and energetic individual with a background in sports coaching, looking to channel your skills into a rewarding school-based role?

GSL Education Kent are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a SEN Teaching Assistant to support children with special educational needs in a vibrant and inclusive school in Ashford.

If you’ve previously worked as a sports coach and have experience engaging children through physical activity, this SEN Teaching Assistant (TA) role could be the perfect next step in your career. You’ll join a passionate team dedicated to creating a supportive and structured learning environment where every child can thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

This school is celebrated for its inclusive ethos, strong community spirit, and commitment to nurturing each pupil’s emotional and academic development. As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll receive ongoing training and work closely with teachers and therapists to support students’ individual needs.

As a SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA), your responsibilities will include:

Supporting students with a range of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Using your sports coaching experience to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and confidence-building.
Assisting with daily routines and providing personal care when required.
Promoting social and emotional development through structured, positive interactions.
Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to help them feel safe and motivated.
Collaborating with the class teacher and SENCO to implement tailored support strategies.
To be considered for the SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) role, you will:

Have previous experience as a sports coach or in a similar role involving children with additional needs.
Be enthusiastic, patient, and passionate about supporting children with SEN.
Possess strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with students and staff.
Be adaptable and eager to learn as part of a collaborative team.
Hold an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one through GSL).
What GSL Education Offers:

Competitive daily rates and potential for permanent contracts.
Support from a dedicated consultant throughout your placement.
Access to SEN-specific training and professional development.
A welcoming school environment where your coaching background is highly valued.
Please be advised that this 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.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and supporting staff in schools across the UK.

If you’re a passionate sports coach ready to make a difference as a SEN Teaching Assistant, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘Apply Now’ to send your CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch to discuss the next steps