Education Mentor/ SEN Teaching Assistant

SENse Learning - Kent

Education Mentor / SEN Teaching Assistant (Part-Time)
SENse Learning – Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom

Introduction

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference for young people with special educational needs? SENse Learning is looking for a compassionate and proactive Education Mentor / SEN Teaching Assistant to support learners in Ashford on a part-time basis. In this role, you will provide one-to-one guidance and encouragement, helping students with a variety of complex needs overcome barriers to learning and re-engage with education in a flexible, personalised way.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with experience in SEN support, youth mentoring, teaching assistance, or therapeutic education who values creativity, empathy and personalised education.

About SENse Learning

SENse Learning is an independent education and mentoring provider that offers bespoke learning programmes for children and young people with a wide range of special needs including ASD, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, school refusal, SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health), and medical/complex needs.

Based in Kent and operating nationally, SENse Learning partners with local authorities, schools and families to design tailored interventions and one-to-one learning pathways for young people who are unable attend mainstream school. Our mission is to nurture confidence, independence and wellbeing through personalised learning that meets each student where they are.

We foster a highly supportive, multidisciplinary culture where emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic progress. Staff are valued for their emotional intelligence, creativity and relational skills as much as their educational experience.

The Role & Responsibilities

As an Education Mentor and SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work with one learner at a time, often outside a traditional classroom setting – sometimes at home, in a local community space, or outdoors. The focus is to re-engage them with learning, support emotional regulation, and help build self-esteem and confidence.

Core Responsibilities

  • One-to-One Support
    Deliver bespoke, engaging sessions based on the learner’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or EHCP, focusing on literacy, numeracy, life skills, or interests such as art, nature or sports.

  • Mentoring & Emotional Support
    Build a strong, trusting rapport to support the learner’s emotional wellbeing, self-regulation and confidence. Encourage a positive relationship with learning through praise and patience.

  • Planning and Adaptation
    Work alongside SEN teachers and case managers to plan and adapt learning activities that are flexible and accessible. Use creative and therapeutic techniques when needed.

  • Progress Monitoring
    Keep clear notes and session feedback to track progress and share updates with the SENse Learning team, parents, and external professionals.

  • Behaviour Support & Safeguarding
    Use positive behaviour strategies and follow safeguarding procedures at all times to ensure the learner feels safe, respected and supported.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Background in SEN, Youth Work or Education
    Experience working with children with SEN, SEMH, or school refusers is highly desirable.

  • Education or Support Certifications (Desirable)
    A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, HLTA, youth work, psychology or special education background would be beneficial.

  • Strong Emotional Intelligence
    Empathy, resilience and excellent listening skills are essential. Able to stay calm and compassionate when supporting anxious or challenging learners.

  • Creativity and Adaptability
    Comfortable delivering alternative, activity-based or outdoor sessions and adapting lessons to suit the learner’s interests and needs.

  • Organisation & Communication
    Able to plan sessions, document progress clearly, and communicate openly with parents and colleagues.

  • Full UK Driving Licence (Preferred)
    Often needed to travel to learner locations and community activities.

  • DBS Check
    Enhanced DBS required (this can be arranged if not already held).

Role Duties & Benefits

Duties Summary

  • Deliver 1:1 tuition or mentoring sessions tailored to each learner

  • Support literacy, numeracy, life skills and emotional regulation through alternative learning methods

  • Track progress and participate in review meetings

  • Liaise with SENse Learning team members to refine the student’s plan

  • Embed safeguarding and promote wellbeing in every interaction

Benefits

  • Hourly Pay: £18–£23 (depending on experience & qualifications)
    Reflecting specialist SEN support work with scope for increases.

  • Part-Time Flexibility
    Typically 5–20 hours per week depending on caseload, with sessions often scheduled during school hours.

  • Autonomy and Creativity
    Freedom to plan innovative sessions based on learner interests (e.g. using cooking, PE, craft, nature walks).

  • Impactful Work
    Directly support disengaged or vulnerable children in transforming their confidence and learning journey.

  • Supportive Team Ethos
    Access to mentoring, CPD opportunities and supervision from a team of SEN professionals.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

  • Patient, empathetic and passionate about SEN support

  • Able to build genuine, trusting relationships with learners

  • Flexible, creative and confident delivering learning outside a typical classroom

  • Professional, reliable and able to work independently

  • Committed to inclusion and individualised education

Why Join Us?

Working with SENse Learning means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation that believes education should be tailored, relational and compassionate. You’ll have the autonomy to be innovative and creative, while making a real difference to children who need it most. If you feel mainstream settings can’t always meet every child’s needs—and you want to help bridge that gap—this is the perfect role for you.

Final Thoughts

This Education Mentor / SEN Teaching Assistant position offers much more than a typical TA role. You’ll change lives through connection, flexibility and compassion — and be supported by a knowledgeable, caring team. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to work one-to-one with learners in Ashford, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Now
Become part of SENse Learning in Kent and help re-ignite a young person’s love for learning through creativity, empathy and tailored support.

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Publishing Date:20th August 2025

Job ID:DL20825028

Published :Dilani Lakmali

To apply for this job email your details to dilanilakmali333@gmail.com