Smile Education are currently recruiting for a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in the Evesham area.This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and wants to make a genuine difference to their learning, development and independence.
The school is looking for a patient, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant who can build strong relationships with pupils and provide consistent, individualised support. This is a specialist all-age setting supporting pupils from early years through to sixth form. The school provides education for children and young people with a range of complex learning and additional needs, with every pupil having an EHCP.
The pupils have a range of moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties, alongside needs such as:
Autism
Complex communication needs
Speech and language difficulties
Physical disabilities
Sensory needs
Social, emotional and behavioural needs
Complex medical or personal care requirementsSome pupils require high levels of adult support throughout the school day, while others may need more targeted support with communication, learning, independence and social development. Communication can vary significantly between pupils and may include speech, signs, symbols, visual communication, objects of reference and AAC.
The successful Teaching Assistant will understand that progress can look very different in a specialist setting. Supporting a pupil to communicate a choice, engage in an activity, develop a new skill or become more independent can represent a significant achievement. Patience, consistency and the ability to celebrate small steps of progress are essential.
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with the class teacher and wider specialist team to support pupils throughout the school day.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting pupils on a 1:1, small-group and whole-class basis
Helping pupils access learning and classroom activities
Supporting communication and interaction
Encouraging independence and life skills
Providing emotional and behavioural support
Supporting sensory, practical and outdoor learning
Following individual pupil support and care plans
Supporting pupils with personal care where required
Helping pupils during break and lunchtime
Supporting educational visits and community activities
Working closely with teachers and other professionals
Monitoring and celebrating pupil progress
Maintaining a safe, positive and nurturing environmentThe role can be varied from day to day and may involve supporting pupils with personal care, eating and drinking plans or other individual care requirements, depending on the needs of the class.
The Ideal CandidateThe school is looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about working with children and young people with additional needs.
You will ideally have:
Previous experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals
SEN/SEND experience is highly desirable
A patient, calm and nurturing approach
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to build positive relationships with pupils
The resilience to manage challenging situations
A willingness to learn and undertake specialist training
The ability to follow individual support plans and routines
A positive and flexible attitude
A strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeingExperience from education, care, healthcare, youth work or support work will all be considered, provided you can demonstrate the right attitude and transferable skills. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within specialist education and gain valuable experience supporting pupils with complex needs.
You will be joining an experienced team and will have the opportunity to develop your SEN knowledge through practical experience and specialist training. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people, helping them develop their confidence, communication, independence and ability to engage with the world around them.
What's on Offer?
Full-time position
Long-term opportunity
Specialist SEN setting in Evesham
Supportive and experienced team
Training and professional development opportunities
Varied and rewarding role
Opportunity to work with pupils with complex needs
Ongoing support from Smile EducationIf you are a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist setting, Smile Education would love to hear from you.
Apply today to be considered for this SEN Teaching Assistant position.
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications
Salary description
£95.00 - £110.00 per day