How to Become a SEN Teaching Assistant

Do you want to make a real difference in children’s lives? Then learning how to become a SEN teaching assistant is a great first step. This job is all about helping children with special educational needs learn and grow every day. You’ll need patience, kindness, and a warm heart to do well in this role.

The best thing is, the path is simple to follow. First, you’ll learn what a SEN TA does at school. Then, you’ll see what skills and courses you need to start. After that, you can find ways to get real classroom experience. You’ll also learn about the checks you must complete before working with children. Finally, you’ll discover where to find jobs, how much you can earn, and how to grow in your career. Step by step, you can build a job that feels meaningful and full of joy.

What Is a SEN Teaching Assistant?

A SEN teaching assistant is someone who helps children who need extra support to learn and grow. SEN means Special Educational Needs. These can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech or language difficulties, or physical and medical needs.

As a SEN TA, you help each child take small but important steps forward. You might sit beside them during lessons, only explain tasks, or use fun learning tools to keep them focused. Sometimes, you’ll just be there to listen, calm them down, or help them feel safe and happy in class.

Every day is different, and every child is unique. But that’s what makes the job special. You’re not just helping them learn—you’re helping them believe in themselves. And when you see their confidence grow, it’s the best feeling in the world.

What Does a SEN Teaching Assistant Do Every Day?

Every day as a SEN teaching assistant is full of care, learning, and smiles. You help children who need extra support so they can join lessons and feel happy at school. Each day is different, but it’s always special.

Here’s what your day might look like:

• Start the day by supporting a child or small group to grasp new lessons and build confidence.
• Find creative ways to make learning tasks fun, accessible, and rewarding for everyone.
• Use pictures, symbols, and hands-on tools to help children express their ideas and feelings.
• Offer calm guidance through daily routines, and provide short breaks when things feel overwhelming.
• Capture progress in brief notes — celebrating achievements and spotting where extra help is needed.
• Collaborate closely with the teacher and SENCO, sharing insights and new ideas along the way.
• End the day knowing every child felt seen, supported, and included.

It’s a busy job, but it’s full of joy. When you see a child smile or try something new, your heart feels proud.

How to Become a SEN Teaching Assistant?

So, you want to know how to become a SEN teaching assistant? That’s a lovely choice! It’s a job where you help children who need extra care and support. And the good news is—it’s easy to start.

•  You’ll need GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or higher, or something equivalent.
•  Take a teaching assistant course. Level 2 is a good start, but Level 3 is better for SEN roles.
•  Get classroom experience through volunteering, an agency, or a short placement.
•  Do an enhanced DBS check with the children’s barred list and get good references.
•  Apply for jobs at schools, academy trusts, or SEN-specialist agencies.

Each step brings you closer to a job that makes a real difference. When you help a child smile and learn, it feels amazing!

What Are the Best Courses for SEN Teaching Assistants?

If you want to become a great SEN teaching assistant, the right courses can help you shine. They give you the skills and confidence to support every child in the best way.

A good place to start is the Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course. These teach you the basics of working in a classroom and how to help children learn and grow. Level 3 is perfect if you want to focus on SEN support.

Once you’ve done that, you can take short CPD courses to boost your skills and job chances. For example:

•  Autism Awareness – understand how to support children with autism in school.
•  ADHD Awareness – learn ways to keep lessons calm and focused.
•  Speech and Language Support – helps children with talking and communication skills.
•  Makaton or Communication Training – use signs and symbols to make learning easier.
•  Behaviour Support – learn positive methods like Team-Teach or gentle handling.
•  Safeguarding – keep every child safe and protected at all times.
•  Paediatric First Aid – know what to do if a child gets hurt or feels unwell.

Whenever possible, choose Ofqual-regulated courses. They’re trusted, high-quality, and look great on your CV. Continuous professional development (CPD) isn’t just about career growth — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself for the children you support. Every new skill helps you make a bigger difference in the classroom and beyond.

Explore our range of CPD-approved, Ofqual-regulated courses at Open Learning Academy — designed to help SEN Teaching Assistants learn, grow, and lead with confidence.

Can You Become a SEN TA with No Experience?

Yes, you can! Everyone starts somewhere, right? Many SEN teaching assistants begin with no experience at all. What really matters is that you care about children and want to help them learn. You can start small. Try volunteering at a local school. You might help in a reading club, during breakfast time, or after-school activities. Even helping at lunchtime can teach you a lot about working with children.

You can also ask if you can watch classes for a few days. Seeing how teachers and assistants work will give you good ideas and confidence. If you want to move faster, join a good agency. They can help you find short placements where you’ll meet teachers, gain real experience, and get useful references.

So yes, even with no experience, you can still start today. Step by step, you’ll learn, grow, and soon make a big difference in children’s lives.

What Skills Do You Need to Support SEN Students?

Working with SEN students is a kind and caring job. It’s not only about teaching—it’s about helping children feel happy, safe, and confident. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be patient, gentle, and ready to learn every day.

Here are the main skills you’ll need:

• Patience – Some children learn slowly. Give them time and always stay calm.

• Empathy – Try to understand how each child feels. A kind word or smile helps a lot.

• Clear communication – Use simple words and short sentences. You can also use pictures or gestures.

• Behaviour support – Learn calm ways to guide children and help them follow routines.

• Sensory awareness – Notice when things like noise or light upset a child. Help them feel safe and comfortable.

• Organisation – Keep lessons and activities ready so the day goes smoothly.

• Record-keeping and IT skills – Write short notes about progress and use basic computer tools to share updates.

• Teamwork – Work well with teachers, parents, and therapists. Together, you can give the best care to each child.

These skills take time to grow. But with care, love, and practice, you’ll become great at supporting every child who needs you.

How Long Does It Take to Become a SEN Teaching Assistant?

The time it takes to become a SEN teaching assistant can be different for everyone. It depends on the course you choose and how you study. But don’t worry—it doesn’t take too long to get started.

If you start with a Level 2 course, you can finish it in just a few weeks or a few months. It’s a great way to learn the basics and build your confidence. A Level 3 course takes a bit longer—usually a few months. Many people do this while working or doing a school placement, so you learn and gain experience at the same time. If you choose an apprenticeship, it usually takes 12 to 18 months. This is a great option if you want to earn money while you learn.

So, in less than two years, you can train, gain experience, and start working in a job that truly makes a difference every day.

How Much Does SEN TA Training Cost in 2025?

Thinking about the cost of SEN TA training? It really depends on where and how you choose to study.

• Apprenticeships: These are the most affordable. Your employer covers the training cost, and you also get paid while learning.
  
• Self-funded courses: Prices can vary a lot.
  
• Short online Level 2 courses usually start from around £280.
• Some advanced Level 2 courses go up to £450 or more.
• Colleges sometimes charge between £675 and £1,600, depending on what’s included.

Before enrolling, remember to check a few key things:

• The course should be Ofqual-regulated so it’s recognised.
• Find out if tutor support and assessments are part of the package.
• See whether you’ll need a placement while studying.
• Check for any extra fees like certificates or materials.

To sum up: Apprenticeships let you earn while learning, while self-funded options can cost a few hundred pounds. Take your time to compare what each course offers before making a choice.

What Checks and Certificates Do You Need (DBS, Safeguarding, etc.)?

Before you start working as a SEN teaching assistant, you need to complete some important checks. These steps help keep everyone safe and build trust with schools.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Enhanced DBS check: This includes the children’s barred list. It shows you’re safe to work with pupils.
• Right-to-work ID: You must prove you can work legally in the UK.
• Proof of address and name changes: Bring simple documents like bills or letters.
• Two references: These help schools see that you are honest and dependable.
• Safeguarding induction: You’ll learn the basics of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Paediatric First Aid: This is not always required, but it’s a great advantage—especially in early years or SEN settings.

Overall, these checks might seem like a lot at first, but they are worth it. After all, they protect the children and help you start your job with confidence.

Where Can You Find SEN Teaching Assistant Jobs in the UK?

Looking for a SEN teaching assistant job? Don’t worry — there are many great places to start your search.

First, check the GOV.UK Teaching Vacancies website. It’s the official place where schools post new jobs every day. You can also visit your local council or academy trust websites, as they often list openings in nearby schools.

Next, explore popular job boards like TES, eTeach, and Indeed. These sites make it easy to search, filter, and apply for roles that match your skills. If you want extra help, try joining SEN-specialist job agencies. They can guide you, match you with schools and sometimes even arrange trial placements. To save time, set up job alerts for titles like “SEN Teaching Assistant,” “Learning Support Assistant,” or “1:1 TA.” With patience and a little effort, the right opportunity will come. Keep checking regularly, and soon you’ll find a school that feels just right for you.

How Much Do SEN Teaching Assistants Earn?

So, how much do SEN teaching assistants earn? It really depends on where you work and how much experience you have. Most schools follow pay scales set by local councils or academy trusts. Your pay depends on your grade and role.

Most SEN teaching assistants work term-time only, so the pay is pro-rated. That means you get paid for the weeks you work, not the full year. Don’t worry, though — your pay is spread out, so you still get money every month. If you work in London, you’ll usually earn more because of the London weighting. That’s extra pay to help with the higher cost of living. Some schools also give SEN or 1:1 allowances, especially if you support pupils with extra needs.

As of 2025, the starting pay for SEN teaching assistants is around £24,000 a year (full-time). Experienced or higher-level TAs can earn between £30,000 and £32,000 a year. But since most roles are term-time, the real take-home pay is a bit lower.

Always check the grade or pay point (SCP) in the job advert. You can then look up the pay scale on your local council or academy website. At the end of the day, being an SEN teaching assistant isn’t just about money. You also earn respect, pride, and the joy of helping children grow and succeed — and that’s priceless.

What’s the Difference Between a SEN TA and a Regular TA?

You may wonder what makes a SEN teaching assistant different from a regular one. Both jobs are very important, but they are not the same.

A regular TA helps the whole class. They support the teacher, help pupils with their work, and keep the classroom calm and organised. A SEN TA helps pupils who have special educational needs. These pupils may need help with speaking, behaviour, sensory needs, or personal care. SEN TAs often work one-to-one or with small groups to give extra support.

SEN TAs also talk with parents, teachers, and therapists to help each child make progress. They keep notes about how the child is doing and share them with the teacher. So, a regular TA helps everyone, but a SEN TA focuses on pupils who need more care. Both jobs need patience, kindness, and a caring heart.

What Are the Career Progression Options After SEN TA?

Working as a SEN teaching assistant is a great start, but it doesn’t have to be the end. As you learn and gain more experience, there are many ways to grow in your career.

Here are some simple paths you can follow:

• Level 3 Qualification → HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant):

You can study for a Level 3 course and become an HLTA. In this role, you may lead small group lessons and help plan classroom activities.

• SEN Specialist Roles: 

If you enjoy helping pupils with special needs, you can become a specialist. For example, you might support children with speech and language, communication, or behaviour challenges.

• Pastoral or Behaviour Support Roles:

Another option is to help pupils with their feelings, confidence, and behaviour. These roles focus on emotional well-being and care.

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant):

You can also train as an ELSA. This job helps pupils manage emotions and build social skills, which makes school life easier for them.

• Train to Become a Teacher:

If you love teaching, you can work towards becoming a qualified teacher (QTS). You can do this through a degree or an apprenticeship while still working in school.

Tip: Keep a small portfolio of your work and progress. It helps show how you’ve made a difference in your pupils’ learning.

Final Thoughts: Start Your SEN Teaching Assistant Journey with Confidence

If you want to be a SEN teaching assistant, now is a good time to begin. You don’t need to know everything right away. What matters most is your kindness, patience, and love for learning.

You can start small. You might join a Level 2 or Level 3 course, email a local school to ask about volunteering, or set job alerts online. Each step will help you move closer to your goal.

And why not check out the Open Learning Academy Diploma in Special Education Needs (SEN)? This online course is designed for people like you — eager to help and ready to learn. It’s self-paced, so you can work on it when it suits you. It’s also ideal if you’re just starting or you want to grow your skills further. Remember, every great SEN TA started just like you — with a caring heart and a dream to help children.

Keep learning, keep growing, and stay kind. Your journey as a SEN teaching assistant can change lives — and it starts with one simple step today.

FAQ 

What qualifications do you need to be a SEN classroom assistant?

You don’t need special qualifications to be a SEN classroom assistant. But taking a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant course can help a lot. It teaches you the skills and knowledge to support children with special needs well.

Do you need qualifications to be a teaching assistant?

You don’t always need formal qualifications to become a teaching assistant. But having GCSEs in English and Maths and some experience working with children will really help you get started.

Is it hard being a SEN teaching assistant?

Being a SEN teaching assistant can be hard, but it’s very rewarding. You work closely with pupils and make a real difference every day.

How much does a Sen TA get paid?

SEN teaching assistants usually earn between £18,000 and £22,000 a year when starting.

Can you be a TA with no experience?

Yes, you can become a teaching assistant with no experience. Volunteering at a school or working with children is a great way to start.