If you’re thinking about becoming an SEN teaching assistant, then you may be wondering what salary to expect. This will differ according to location, and other factors, such as training and experience, may impact the amount you earn.
Whilst being an SEN teaching assistant can be extremely rewarding, it’s important to know the average salary you would be earning. So, this blog will help you to further understand what an SEN teaching assistant is and what you could expect to earn.
What is an SEN teaching assistant?
SEN (special educational needs) teaching assistants support teachers in delivering classes to students who have learning difficulties or disabilities.
For example, children with mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, behavioural and emotional difficulties, and physical impairments may need extra support to help them achieve their learning goals.
SEN teaching assistants can work in SEN establishments, such as an SEN school, but they can also support students with learning difficulties and disabilities within mainstream schools. The latter is becoming more common since milder forms of conditions, such as autism, are being diagnosed, which has increased the number of children who fall within this category and require extra support.
What does a standard teaching assistant earn?
The location of the school or establishment will dictate how much a standard teaching assistant earns.
Below are the average salaries to expect in areas where teaching assistants are highly sought after:
- London – £17,262 per annum.
- Kent – £12,847 per annum.
What is the average salary for a SEN teaching assistant?
SEN teaching assistants typically have a higher salary than regular teaching assistants. This is because they have more varied skills, and a versatility that is necessary for teaching students with different learning needs, making them highly sought after.
Once again, the location of the SEN school or establishment will dictate how much an SEN teaching assistant earns.
Below are the average salaries to expect in areas where SEN teaching assistants are highly sought after:
- London – £21,1785 per annum.
- Kent – £17,610 per annum.
There are many opportunities to work with SEN students in London. For example, as a SEN teaching assistant in a top SEN school based in North London.
Why you should become an SEN teaching assistant
Whilst being an SEN teaching assistant doesn’t provide the highest salary, it is extremely rewarding, particularly when you can play a huge part in a student’s progression.
The impact you’ll have on a student’s learning will have a positive effect on their confidence and their ability to understand their potential in the future.
How do I become an SEN teaching assistant?
Firstly, although it’s not mandatory, having experience in an SEN environment will offer you invaluable insight into what’s required when supporting SEN students and it will equip you with effective tools that cannot be easily gained through training.
Additionally, having relevant experience, such as working voluntarily at a community centre supporting SEN children, will allow you to establish whether working in special educational needs is actually for you.
If you do decide that being an SEN teaching assistant is the perfect position for you, then the experience you’ve gained will look great on your CV!
Whilst gaining invaluable experience is not mandatory (but recommended), a degree in a relevant field is mandatory, particularly if you’d like to teach SEN students in mainstream schools. An example of a relevant degree is the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities BA.
Additionally, for you to be able to work in schools, you will need to gain an SEN certificate, Level 2 or 3, to learn teaching methods and understand the skills that will be required of you.
A PGCE isn’t mandatory; however, if you’d like to teach students of a particular age, then gaining QTS at a certain level may put you in good stead. For example, a PGCE Primary Education with Specialism in SEN would enable you to teach students aged 7 to 14.
Below are a few other steps you can take to help you become an SEN teaching assistant:
- Enrol in a safeguarding course – develop knowledge of your safeguarding duties, such as recognising the warning signs of any arising issues and what part you can play in preventing them.
- Update your CV – This should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and it should also include a personal statement to summarise your relevant qualifications and experience. To find out how to write an effective personal statement, then consider reading How To Write A Personal Statement For An SEN Teaching Assistant Role.
- Begin applying – Experience and qualified SEN teaching assistants are highly sought after, so there are many opportunities available. Browse the SEN jobs that we currently have available and apply today!
- Prepare for interviews – Once you’ve been invited to an interview, then make sure you fully prepare. You need to arrive feeling confident and ready to ask any questions that might be thrown at you. So, the more prepared you are, the more chance you will have at being offered the job. If you’d like to find out how to prepare for an SEN interview, then read 6 Ways To Achieve In An SEN Teaching Assistant Job Interview.
Looking to become an SEN teaching assistant?
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and would like to find out more about how to become an SEN teaching assistant, then read Looking To Become A Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant? Here’s How.
Alternatively, if you are passionate about supporting SEN students and feel ready to search for your perfect role, then submit your CV to hear about all of the latest SEN opportunities, including SEN teaching assistant vacancies.
