SEN TA - Please share your experiences good and bad :)

[Schnauzer21]

Hello

I may be starting a new job as a teaching assistant for SEN students, either in a group setting or as a one-to-one setting. I was wondering what I should expect. I am an experienced teacher with QTS, and have worked in a SEN department before, but I was invigilating exams (which I know is not the same as being in a learning setting) - I'm a bit nervous/worried - what is a typical day like? What does a TA do exactly? Will I be expected to manage behaviour or is that the teacher's job?

All comments welcome! Thanks

Primary or secondary?

It's supply so it will be both primary and secondary depending on the day

I work as a SEN TA-the majority of the time I work as a 1-1 with the same child. My experience has been different each year. Last year the only thing his teacher gave me were colouring sheets for a child who doesn't like colouring. She left me to it an wful lot because she knew I was capable so I ended up planning a lot. She took the mick tbh. He did make a lot of progress but that's because I am an experienced Sen TA and have a Sen child myself. This year his teacher is better and does provide adapted work although I also have a stack of worksheets available at his level too. I tend to manage his behaviour because he has a bond with me and listens better to me than he would a teacher. Usually a look does it. I also communicate with mum but again it's because I am his main 1-1 and have built up a relationship with him and mum.

It will be different as a supply ta.

As an experienced teacher, don’t you have experience of the role of a TA?

I would say that you should deal with behaviours as they arise, though, under the guidance of the teacher.

Thanks - I am hoping that I will be offered a more constant role to build up a relationship with the pupils - I imagine it would be really tricky otherwise.

Do you enjoy it (now you have a better teacher)?

No, I've never had one in my classes. I wouldn't have asked if I knew 😅

Sorry! 🙊
I was just a little confused as to what exactly you were asking, but you have no experience…..that’s sad! Teachers should have help. A good TA is worth their weight in gold, and more!

re: the sen kids, it varies from school to school. I think if it were me, I’d check with the teacher how much autonomy I was allowed to use, ie if the kid isn’t coping, can I take them out for a movement break? Or do you require them to stay here? Etc.
Enjoy!

I would say that you will be expected to manage behaviour, but only after you've had a chance to see what others do so you can use the same methods.

There is no such thing as a typical day. Children’s needs vary so so much that although there will be routine, everything that happens around that is completely random.

Just be open to anything and you’ll be fine!

Sorry too - I thought you were being sarcastic. Thank you, I guess it's so dependent on a variety of factors. I would have loved a TA or two, my students in hindsight really would have benefitted.