Do I need qualifications to become a SEN teaching assistant?

Schools often ask for GCSEs in English and maths, and some ask for a Level 2 or Level 3 teaching assistant qualification. Experience with children with additional needs, including as a volunteer or parent, can count strongly.

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for some children with higher needs that sets out the support they should get. It is useful to show that you have worked to EHCP targets.

Is a SEN teaching assistant CV different from a general TA CV?

It puts more focus on specific needs, strategies and training, and on working with the SENCO, parents and outside professionals.

What if I find writing my CV difficult?

Ceev can write your CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows a free preview before you pay.

SEN teaching assistant CV example

A strong SEN teaching assistant CV shows patience, structure and a clear idea of how to support children with additional needs. It should mention the needs you have worked with, methods such as visual timetables or Makaton, how you work with the class teacher and SENCO, and your DBS check.

Theo Andersen

SEN teaching assistant

theo@example.com

07700 900129

Sheffield

Profile

Patient and organised SEN teaching assistant with experience supporting children with autism and learning difficulties in a mainstream primary school. Skilled at one-to-one and small-group support, following EHCP targets and adapting work so children can take part. Holds a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification, Makaton training and a current enhanced DBS check.

Experience

SEN Teaching Assistant

a mainstream primary school

Gave one-to-one support to two pupils with autism, working to targets in their EHCPs

Adapted tasks and used visual timetables, now-and-next boards and Makaton so pupils could follow lessons

Ran a daily small-group phonics and reading session for four pupils who needed extra practice

Helped pupils to manage big feelings, using calm routines, sensory breaks and agreed strategies

Recorded progress and shared notes with the class teacher and SENCO before review meetings

Teaching Assistant

a primary school (Key Stage 1)

Supported a class of 28 Year 1 and Year 2 pupils under the direction of the class teacher

Listened to children read and helped them with phonics and number work

Prepared resources, displays and classroom activities

Supported children with toileting and dressing needs sensitively

Attended staff training on safeguarding, first aid and behaviour support

Key skills

One-to-one and small-group support

Autism awareness

EHCP and support plan targets

Makaton and visual supports

Phonics and early maths support

Behaviour and emotional support

Working with the SENCO and teacher

Safeguarding

Progress notes and record keeping

Patience and consistency

Example · fictional candidate · Ribbon design · Use this design

Tips for a sen teaching assistant CV

Name the needs you have supported, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or speech and language needs, without naming any child
Mention tools and training, such as Makaton, visual timetables, PECS, Team-Teach or ELSA, if you have them
Show that you worked to EHCP or support plan targets and shared progress with teachers and the SENCO
List your qualification, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 teaching assistant certificate, and your DBS check
Show judgement: when you step back so a child can try by themselves, and when you step in
Include first aid training, especially paediatric first aid if you have it

Applying with a cover letter? See our sen teaching assistant cover letter example.