Job Description:

SEND Teaching Assistant  –Rayleigh
Location: Rayleigh
Hourly Rate: £18-£23
Flexible Hours: Up to 30 per week | Term-time only
Make a difference where it matters most.
AP Education is pleased to collaborate with local authorities in delivering customised 2:1 Alternative Provision for children and young people who are unable to access a mainstream education setting. We seek dedicated SEND/SEMH Tutors, SEND/SEMH Teachers, and HLTAs in Rayleigh and the surrounding regions.
You will be supporting learners with a range of complex needs, including but not limited to:

• SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
• Autism
• EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
• SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties)
• MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties)

 
Key Responsibilities
You’ll provide face-to-face 2:1 support, working alongside a Tutor with students from Early Years to KS4. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assist preparing learning materials for the core subjects (Maths, English, Science) or SEND-specific
• Implement effective behaviour management using positive strategies and patience.
• Provide a therapeutic and adaptable approach to education, ensuring each learner’s individual needs are met.
• Assist the Tutor to write detailed daily/weekly progress reports and, where necessary, liaise with external professionals such as SALT, OT, or Social Workers to facilitate a collaborative, multi-agency approach.
• Manage daily attendance reporting via our attendance software.
• Assist learners in transitioning to mainstream or specialist education settings as appropriate.

Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience supporting children with SEND/SEMH requirements.
• Background in education, youth work, or therapeutic settings.
• HLTA certification preferred; however, applicants with a minimum of two years' relevant UK experience without qualifications are welcome.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate, dependable, and initiative-taking mindset.

 
 
Why AP Education?

• Guaranteed weekly pay.
• Access to tailored curriculum platforms designed for flexibility, accessibility, and personalised learning support.
• Comprehensive Baseline toolkit with downloadable resources and training videos.
• Training sessions led by our Head of Education.
• Regular CPD opportunities, including workshops on trauma-informed practice, to ensure ongoing professional growth.
• Use of our bespoke tutor platform, featuring a wide array of trainings and resources to enhance your support for learners.
• Opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on individual students without managing large classroom groups.
• Dedicated Education Coordinator to assist throughout your placement.
• Streamlined compliance process for quick onboarding.
• Ongoing access to new placements, with consistent referrals from our local authority partners ensuring continuity of employment.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?
If you're passionate about helping young people thrive and want to work in a flexible, supportive environment — we’d love to hear from you.
 Call us on 0203 8543942 and ask for Laura
Or apply now to become a 1:1 SEND Tutor in Rayleigh
 
AP Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, or sexuality.