Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant: Job Description and Person Specification

Our Vision

At Embark, our Collective Commitment to Inclusion means every child is known, valued, and supported to succeed. As a Specialist Teaching & Learning Assistant, you will bring deep expertise, compassion and skill to removing barriers to learning for children with additional and complex needs.

Purpose of the Role

To provide specialist, targeted support for pupils with SEND, SEMH, communication needs or other barriers to learning. You will work with a high level of autonomy within your specialist area, contributing to planning, delivery, assessment and review of interventions, while remaining under the overall direction of a teacher or SENCo.

This role bridges advanced classroom support and specialist provision, without carrying the responsibilities of whole-class teaching.

Key Responsibilities

Specialist Support for Pupils

• Deliver targeted interventions for individuals and small groups based on identified needs (e.g. SEND, SEMH, communication, cognition, behaviour)
• Adapt and modify learning activities to enable progress for pupils working significantly below age-related expectations
• Support pupils with complex needs, including personal care, regulation, communication systems or medical routines where required
• Act as a key adult for identified pupils, supporting emotional security, independence and inclusion

Planning, Assessment & Review

• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of EHCPs, IEPs, behaviour plans and provision maps
• Observe, assess and record pupil progress using agreed tools and systems
• Use assessment information to adapt interventions and recommend next steps
• Provide clear, timely feedback to teachers, SENCo and families as appropriate

Inclusion, Behaviour & Wellbeing

• Implement and model inclusive practice aligned to Embark’s Collective Commitment
• Apply specialist behaviour and regulation strategies consistently and safely
• Support pupils through transitions, change and emotionally demanding situations
• Use de-escalation, relational and restorative approaches as agreed by the school

Professional Collaboration

• Work closely with teachers, SENCo, external professionals and families
• Share specialist knowledge and model effective practice for colleagues
• Support and mentor less experienced TAs within your area of expertise
• Contribute to multi-agency meetings when appropriate

Safeguarding & Safety

• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and professional conduct
• Follow all health, safety, moving & handling and medical protocols
• Recognise and report concerns promptly in line with policy

Professional Development

• Maintain and deepen specialist knowledge through training and reflective practice
• Contribute to Embark’s wider learning culture and inclusive practice
• Support the development of specialist provision across the school

Person Specification 

Essential

Experience

• Significant experience supporting children with additional or complex needs
• Proven experience delivering targeted interventions or specialist support

Skills & Attributes

• Strong emotional intelligence and resilience
• Ability to work independently within a defined specialist role
• Excellent communication with pupils, staff and families
• Reflective, adaptable and solution-focused

Knowledge

• Secure understanding of SEND, child development and inclusive strategies
• Awareness of safeguarding, behaviour support and risk management
• Ability to assess progress and adapt provision accordingly

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Level 3 qualification in education support or relevant specialist area or equivalent experience
• Willingness to undertake further specialist training

Desirable

• Specialist qualifications or training (SEND, SEMH, ASD, communication, behaviour, nurture)
• Experience of mentoring other staff

Experience working with external professionals or agencies

We welcome visits to view our school, please contact Tracey to arrange a tour.