Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

ROLE SUMMARY:

Overview

St. Peter’s International School is seeking a full-time bilingual (Portuguese and English) teaching assistant to provide 1:1 support for a CP1 student, who benefits from individualised guidance throughout the school day. The ideal candidate will have experience working with young children (ages 5–7), ideally in SEN or inclusive settings, and will support the student during classroom learning, transitions, and both structured and unstructured playtimes.

The role requires a patient, empathetic, and reliable professional who is physically capable of engaging in active play and movement, sitting on the floor when needed, and helping promote emotional regulation, communication, and independence. The assistant will collaborate with teachers and the Special Educational Needs teacher to ensure consistent implementation of strategies and inclusion. This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide 1:1 educational support by implementing tailored lesson plans, adapting resources, and using visual or sensory tools to meet the student’s individual learning needs.

• Support behavioural and emotional regulation, applying strategies from the IEP and responding appropriately to signs of frustration, distress, or sensory overload.

• Encourage social and communication skills, facilitating peer interactions, group participation, and positive play experiences.

• Assist with transitions and daily routines, ensuring the student’s safety and providing clear structure throughout lessons, activities, and movement between spaces.

• Promote independence and wellbeing, offering support as needed while encouraging self-regulation and autonomy.

• Monitor and track student progress, documenting achievements, challenges, and feedback to share with teachers and SEN staff.

• Collaborate effectively with teachers, SEN specialists, therapists, and families to ensure consistent implementation of strategies and contribute to IEP reviews and meetings.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Experience working with children with autism or other special educational needs.
• Knowledge of CP1 curriculum principles and differentiation strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Relevant qualifications, such as a Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, or equivalent.
• Experience using assistive technologies or sensory integration techniques.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.