The educational landscape continues to evolve, driven by a growing national focus on inclusion, mental health, and neurodiversity in the classroom. As a result, the roles within SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) departments have expanded and diversified to meet the complex needs of pupils across the UK. Schools are investing more in specialist staff, tailored interventions, and holistic support frameworks. Whether you’re an aspiring educator or an experienced practitioner, understanding where the demand lies for SEND roles in 2025 is key to securing the right SEND role for you.
SEND Teaching Assistants (TAs)
SEN TAs remain the backbone of SEND provision in mainstream and specialist schools. These professionals work closely with pupils with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), often in 1:1 or small-group settings. Schools are increasingly seeking TAs with experience in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health), and speech and language needs.
Qualifications: A degree is not essential, but relevant training (e.g., Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning) and experience are highly valued.
Behaviour Mentors
In schools with high levels of SEMH need, Behaviour Mentors play a critical role in supporting pupils to manage emotions and behaviour constructively. This role is especially common in PRUs (Pupil Referral Units) and alternative provisions.
Qualifications: Psychology or Criminology graduates are often well-suited, as are those with youth work or mentoring backgrounds.
SEND Teachers
Qualified Teachers (QTS) who specialise in SEND are in strong demand, especially those confident in differentiating the curriculum and managing EHCPs. Schools particularly value experience in working across a range of needs — especially ASD, PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties), and complex communication needs.
Qualifications: QTS is essential, with additional SEND qualifications such as the NASENCO (National Award for SEN Coordination) highly advantageous.
Speech and Language Therapy Support Roles
With communication needs on the rise in UK schools, support staff with a background or interest in SaLT (Speech and Language Therapy) are increasingly recruited to work under qualified therapists.
Qualifications: A degree in Speech and Language, Psychology or a related field, alongside experience in communication-focused interventions.
How SEND Experience (Paid or Voluntary) Can Boost Your Application for SEND Roles in 2025
Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch roles within education, relevant SEND experience for SEND roles in 2025 is one of the most powerful assets on your CV. At Ribbons & Reeves, we regularly support graduates who are looking to gain classroom-based SEND experience before pursuing teacher training or a career in Educational Psychology.
Here’s how experience - even if unpaid - can help:
Demonstrates Commitment to Inclusive Education - Schools want to know that you're genuinely invested in supporting pupils with additional needs. Volunteering in a SEND school or helping out in a mainstream school’s SEN department is a great way to show this.
Builds Practical Understanding of Diverse Needs - Whether it's ASD, Down syndrome, SEMH or dyslexia, hands-on experience equips you with real-world strategies that can't be learned in a textbook. Schools look for candidates who understand triggers, de-escalation techniques, and personalised learning approaches.
Improves Confidence and Employability - Candidates who come to interview with tangible examples of their work in SEND settings stand out. You’ll be able to talk confidently about behaviour management, differentiation, and supporting pupils in challenging situations — all of which are critical to success in a SEND role.
If you're lacking direct experience, Ribbons & Reeves can help connect you with schools who offer long-term graduate placements, often leading to full-time, permanent roles.
The Ribbons & Reeves Approach to Matching Candidates with SEND Schools for SEND Roles in 2025
At Ribbons & Reeves, we don’t just match CVs to vacancies — we build careers. Our specialist consultants work across London and beyond, taking the time to understand both our candidates’ aspirations and our partner schools' unique cultures and needs.
Here’s what makes our SEND recruitment approach stand out:
Consultative Matching Process - We don’t just look at your skills — we consider your personality, preferred working style, and long-term career goals. Whether you’re looking for a small specialist provision or a mainstream school with a high SEND intake, we help you find a school where you’ll thrive.
Exclusive School Partnerships - We work with a carefully selected group of SEND schools and inclusive mainstream settings across London. This means we often have roles you won’t find advertised elsewhere — including pre-qualified teacher placements, graduate internships, and long-term TA roles leading to teacher training.
Ongoing Support and Development - Our relationship with you doesn’t end when you’re placed. From CV guidance and interview prep to regular check-ins during your placement, we’re with you every step of the way. For many of our graduates, a SEND placement arranged by Ribbons & Reeves is just the beginning — with many going on to train as Educational Psychologists, SEN Teachers or even SENCos.
Ready to Step Into a SEND Role in 2025?
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career-changer, or an experienced education professional looking to specialise, there’s never been a better time to step into the SEND sector.
At Ribbons & Reeves, we’re passionate about placing the right people in the right schools — and making a difference where it matters most.
Explore our current SEND opportunities or get in touch for a personalised consultation today.
