Teaching Assistant (especially SEN) Jobs in Peterborough PE1 | Immediate Start
Staff Direct is actively recruiting dedicated Teaching Assistants, with a focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN), for immediate temporary and temp-to-perm roles across Peterborough PE1 and Cambridgeshire. Join a leading local agency for flexible shifts, competitive pay, and rewarding career opportunities.
Peterborough PE1
Primary & Secondary Schools across the region
Immediate Start
Urgent placements available this week
£12.50 - £15+ p/h
Competitive, based on experience & role
Flexible Temp
Day-to-day, short-term, or long-term
Job Description: Teaching Assistant (especially SEN)
Staff Direct is partnering with primary, secondary, and specialist SEN schools across Peterborough PE1 to recruit compassionate and skilled Teaching Assistants. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people with diverse learning needs. Whether you're an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant or looking to transition into this rewarding field, we have a variety of roles to match your skills and availability.
As a trusted temporary staffing agency with deep roots in the local community, we simplify your job search. We handle the legwork of matching you with schools that need your expertise, often for an immediate start. This role goes beyond general classroom support; you will be a key figure in implementing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), fostering inclusion, and enabling each pupil to achieve their potential. For those seeking stability, many of our temporary placements have successfully transitioned into permanent contracts.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide dedicated one-to-one and small group support to pupils with Special Educational Needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Speech & Language difficulties, and Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
- Assist the classroom teacher and Supply Teacher in preparing and adapting learning materials, ensuring they are accessible and engaging for all pupils, particularly those with SEN.
- Implement behaviour management strategies as outlined in individual support plans, promoting a positive, safe, and structured learning environment.
- Monitor and record pupil progress, providing clear and constructive feedback to teachers, SENCOs, and parents/carers.
- Support pupils with personal care and mobility needs where required, always adhering to safeguarding and health & safety protocols.
Essential Requirements & Skills
Experience & Qualifications
- • Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, ideally within an SEN setting.
- • A relevant Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is highly desirable.
- • Practical understanding of SEN strategies and conditions (ASC, ADHD, Dyslexia).
- • A valid, enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
Personal Attributes
- • Exceptional patience, empathy, and resilience.
- • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- • Adaptability and a proactive, solution-focused attitude.
- • A genuine passion for supporting children's education and wellbeing.
A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant
Gain real-world insight into the role, its challenges, and its immense rewards. This video provides a candid look at the daily realities of working as a Teaching Assistant in modern UK schools.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration
Submit your details and our Peterborough-based team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss current vacancies.
Apply Online TodaySalary & Benefits
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Competitive Pay
Earn £12 - £15+ per hour, paid weekly via PAYE. Higher rates for specialist SEN experience and long-term assignments.
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Flexible Working
Choose from day-to-day supply, part-time, full-time, or block bookings. Perfect for fitting around other commitments.
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Career Development
Access to exclusive training and opportunities to transition into permanent roles, including potential Supply Teacher pathways.
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Local Expertise
Your dedicated consultant knows the Peterborough PE1 schools network intimately, ensuring better matches for your skills.
Why Choose Staff Direct in Peterborough?
As a leading education recruitment specialist in Cambridgeshire, we bridge the gap between talented staff and schools in need.
Speed & Urgency
We specialise in immediate start jobs. Our streamlined process means you can be placed in a Peterborough school within days, not weeks.
Local Knowledge
We understand the specific demands and cultures of schools in PE1 and across Cambridgeshire. We match you with the right environment, not just any vacancy.
Ongoing Support
You're not just a number. Your consultant provides continuous support, from onboarding to resolving any on-site queries, acting as your advocate.
Wide Network
From mainstream primaries to specialist SEN provisions, we work with a vast network of schools, offering you more choice and variety in your work.
Looking for other flexible roles? Explore our UK-wide job board or learn more about the benefits of working with a temp agency.
How to Apply
Submit Your CV
Apply via our online portal or send your CV directly to our team. Ensure it highlights your SEN and classroom experience.
Speak to a Consultant
We'll arrange a quick, friendly interview to discuss your skills, preferences, and availability for work in Peterborough.
Start Your Placement
Once your compliance checks are complete, we'll match you with a suitable school for an immediate start.
Ready to Make a Difference in Peterborough?
Schools are waiting for dedicated professionals like you. Take the first step towards a flexible and fulfilling role today.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Immediate Education & Support Roles in Peterborough
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate (p/h) | Start Date | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEN 1:1 Teaching Assistant | Central Peterborough, PE1 | £13.50 - £15.00 | Tomorrow | Apply |
| General Classroom Teaching Assistant | Orton Longueville, PE2 | £12.50 - £13.00 | ASAP | Apply |
| Supply Teacher (Primary) | Peterborough & Villages | £130 - £180/day | Flexible | Apply |
| Behaviour Mentor (SEMH Focus) | Dogsthorpe, PE1 | £14.00 - £16.00 | Next Week | Apply |
| Early Years Practitioner (Nursery) | Hampton, PE7 | £12.50 - £13.50 | Immediate | Apply |
For the latest vacancies, always check our live job board. For roles in other sectors like logistics, see our warehouse jobs page or opportunities for a Plumber / Pipefitter.
Get in Touch with Our Peterborough Team
Have questions about SEN Teaching Assistant roles, the application process, or your eligibility? We're here to help.
Call Us
Speak directly to an education recruitment specialist.
+44 (0)2036275550Apply Online
The fastest way to submit your application for immediate review.
Online Application FormIf you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Staff Direct
Education Recruitment Specialists | Peterborough PE1 & Cambridgeshire
Phone: +44 (0)2036275550 | Email: [email protected]
Staff Direct is an equal opportunities employer and recruitment agency. © 2026 Staff Direct. All rights reserved.
Deep Dive: Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support in Peterborough Schools
The demand for skilled SEN support in Peterborough is shaped by the city's diverse pupil population and its commitment to inclusive education. Schools across PE1 are implementing increasingly nuanced support strategies, requiring TAs who are both adaptable and specialists in their approach.
Specialist SEN Provisions
Many placements involve working within dedicated SEN units attached to mainstream schools or in specialist schools. Here, you might employ specific methodologies:
- • TEACCH strategies for Autism: Structuring the physical environment and using visual schedules to promote independence.
- • Intensive Interaction: Building communication fundamentals with pre-verbal pupils by mirroring their actions and sounds.
- • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans: Proactively understanding the function of challenging behaviour to de-escalate situations.
"In our Peterborough specialist setting, we don't just follow EHCPs; we co-create the daily steps that make those long-term goals achievable. A TA's observational notes are often the key to unlocking a new strategy." – Sarah J., SENCO at a PE1 Specialist School
Understanding EHCPs in Practice
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document, but its success hinges on daily implementation. As a TA, you are on the frontline of this process.
A Typical EHCP Objective & Your Role
Objective:"Pupil X will be able to verbally express a choice between two options during a structured activity, with visual support, in 4 out of 5 opportunities."
TA's Daily Action: You prepare a choice board with two clear images. During snack time, you hold it up, point to each option, and use a simplified language model ("Apple? Or Banana?"). You wait for 10 full seconds, allowing processing time, and positively reinforce any attempt at a vocalisation or gesture.
This granular, goal-oriented work is where TAs make a measurable difference. Schools we partner with provide specific training on interpreting and working towards these individual targets.
Example of resources and planning for effective SEN support.
Your Career Pathway: From TA to Specialist and Beyond
Working as a Teaching Assistant with Staff Direct is often the first step in a fulfilling long-term career in education. The experience and network you gain are invaluable.
Flexible Placements
Gain broad experience across different year groups and SEN specialisms through day-to-day and short-term work. This helps you identify your strengths and preferences.
- • Build confidence in diverse settings
- • Develop a reputation with multiple schools
- • Establish a relationship with your consultant
Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm
Excel in a placement and secure a long-term role. Schools often use this period to assess fit for a permanent contract. Deepen your knowledge in a specific area like ASC or SEMH.
- • Access to school-funded training (e.g., Makaton, Team Teach)
- • Potential for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status
- • Become a known and trusted member of the school team
Leadership & Further Roles
With experience, TAs can progress to senior TA, Pastoral Support, or even pursue teacher training. Your on-the-ground experience is a powerful asset.
- • Mentor new TAs
- • Lead intervention groups
- • Apply for School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
Case Study: Mia's Journey
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Orton Longueville, Peterborough
Timeline: 18 Months with Staff Direct
From Supply to Permanent Specialist
Mia registered with Staff Direct while completing her Level 3 TA qualification. She began with day-to-day supply in various PE1 primary schools, gaining confidence.
After three months, she was placed on a 6-week temporary contract covering a maternity leave in a Year 3 class with two pupils with Autism. Her calm demeanour and quick adoption of visual strategies impressed the SENCO.
This temporary role was extended for the full academic year. During this time, the school funded her Autism Education Trust (AET) training. In Month 10, a permanent SEN TA position was advertised internally; Mia was encouraged to apply and was successful, citing her proven track record as the key factor.
"The flexibility at the start let me find my feet. My consultant knew which schools had supportive SEN departments. That long-term temp role was my foot in the door – it showed the school exactly what I could do before I even had a permanent interview."
– Mia, now a Permanent SEN TA
What Peterborough Schools Look For: Insider Insights
Understanding the school's needs makes you a more effective candidate. Our close partnerships with headteachers and SENCOs across the region give us unique insight into their current priorities when hiring TAs.
Top 5 Valued Attributes (Beyond Qualifications)
Reliability & Professionalism
Turning up on time, every time, with a positive attitude. Schools need staff they can depend on, especially for pupils who thrive on routine.
Initiative & Proactivity
Not just following instructions, but anticipating needs. For example, noticing a pupil is becoming overwhelmed and calmly suggesting a sensory break before behaviour escalates.
Communication Nuance
Ability to tailor communication – simplifying language for a pupil, while providing detailed, objective feedback to teachers and parents.
Team Integration
Seamlessly fitting into the existing classroom team, supporting the teacher's vision, and collaborating with other support staff.
Resilience & Reflection
The ability to handle challenging days, de-brief constructively, and return the next day with a fresh perspective and renewed patience.
The Staff Direct Partnership Advantage
When a school partners with us, they trust us to pre-vet candidates thoroughly. We go beyond basic checks to understand your soft skills and situational judgement.
- Scenario-Based Interviewing: We discuss real-world situations you might face (e.g.,"A pupil refuses to transition from a preferred activity. How would you respond?") to gauge your practical approach.
- Detailed Reference Checks: We seek specific examples of your performance in previous roles, focusing on reliability, interaction with children, and teamwork.
- Pre-placement Briefings: Before your first day at a new school, we provide you with key information about the school's ethos, specific pupil needs (within confidentiality bounds), and who your main contact will be.
"A good agency understands our school's culture. Staff Direct sends us TAs who are not only skilled but are also likely to gel with our staff and pupils. That matching process is crucial for us and saves valuable time."
– Headteacher, Primary Academy, Central PE1
Our process is designed to ensure a successful match between your skills and the school's needs.
Navigating Compliance: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide
We demystify the essential compliance process, providing full support to get you 'school-ready' as efficiently as possible.
| Step | Requirement | What It Involves | Our Support | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enhanced DBS Check | A mandatory criminal record check for anyone working with children. | We guide you through the online application, verify your documents, and cover the cost for candidates taking on a role with us. | 5-10 working days |
| 2 | DBS Update Service | Portable subscription that keeps your DBS certificate up-to-date. | We strongly advise joining (£13/year). It allows you to start work instantly with new schools, making you a more marketable candidate. | Immediate (if already registered) |
| 3 | Professional References | Two references covering at least the last 3 years of work/volunteering. | We manage all reference requests, chasing them on your behalf. We seek detailed, child-focused feedback. | 3-5 working days |
| 4 | Right to Work | Proof of eligibility to work in the UK (e.g., passport, visa). | We conduct a digital check via a government-approved provider for a seamless, secure verification. | Within 24 hours |
| 5 | Safeguarding & Prevent Training | Mandatory online training modules. | We provide free, accredited online training that you complete at your own pace before your first placement. | 1-2 hours |
Your Next Practical Steps
If you have all documents ready:
Apply today. Our team will review your CV and contact you to schedule a registration interview, where we will verify all your documents digitally.
I'm Ready to ApplyIf you need guidance first:
Call us for an informal chat. We can answer your questions about DBS, qualifications, and local opportunities before you make any formal application.
Call for Advice: +44 (0)2036275550