SEN Teaching Assistant

Shape A Life has partnered with a nurturing and inclusive primary school in Liverpool who are dedicated to providing high-quality education and support to children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We are excited to expand our team and are currently seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Specialist Teaching Assistant to join their specialist provision for children with a range of complex needs. This specialist provision caters to children with a variety of SEN, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), moderate to severe learning difficulties, speech and language difficulties, ADHD, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The provision is designed to create a supportive, structured, and engaging environment where every child can thrive at their own pace.

As a Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to children with a wide range of special educational needs. You will work alongside our expert team to create an inclusive, supportive, and structured learning environment. Your role will be instrumental in helping these children achieve their personal and academic goals, ensuring they feel valued and empowered in their school community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Implementing strategies to support social communication, sensory processing, and engagement in learning activities. Assisting with behaviour management techniques, including the use of visual aids, schedules, and calm-down strategies.
• Support for Children with Learning Difficulties: Providing individualized or small group instruction to help pupils develop their literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Adapting resources to meet each child's level of understanding and need.
• Support for Children with ADHD: Assisting with managing focus, attention, and behaviour, using strategies to support self-regulation, such as movement breaks, visual cues, and individualized task structuring.
• Support for Children with Speech and Language Needs: Supporting speech and language development through targeted interventions, assisting with communication tools like Makaton, and working closely with speech therapists to implement strategies that aid communication.
• Support for Children with SEMH Needs: Providing emotional and behavioural support to children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, helping them build coping mechanisms, regulate their emotions, and develop positive social skills.
• Working closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and other professionals (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists) to implement individualized learning plans (ILPs) and ensure that each pupil receives the support they need to make progress.
• Creating a safe, calm, and structured environment where children feel supported and are encouraged to engage in activities in line with their abilities.
• Monitoring progress, keeping detailed records, and providing feedback on individual pupils to ensure effective tracking of progress and identification of further support needs.

Key Requirements:

• Experience working with children with a variety of SEN needs, including ASD, ADHD, SEMH, and learning difficulties.
• A strong understanding of the strategies and approaches that can support children with complex SEN needs, including knowledge of specific interventions, tools, and resources.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with children, teachers, parents, and external professionals.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a positive, constructive way, maintaining a calm and empathetic approach.
• Patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for working with children who have additional needs.
• Ability to adapt quickly and think creatively to meet the needs of each child.
• A positive, proactive approach to supporting children's emotional and social development.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Degree at 2:2 or above