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- Tasks: Support students with autism in their learning journey, assisting teachers and preparing lessons.
- Company: Portfield is a Special Educational Needs school dedicated to helping children with learning complexities.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, free parking, a welcome bonus, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English are desirable; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; ongoing training and development opportunities provided.
Portfield is a Special Educational Needs school, where we support children with autism along with other learning complexities. Our school provision is oversubscribed each year and currently we have 85 Teaching Assistants supporting 110 students within our School and our 6th Form. We are extremely proud to be Ofsted Good aspiring to become Outstanding.
We are looking for Relief Teaching Assistants to join us. Shifts would be 09:30am - 3pm (flexibility would be considered within reason). The school would email you available shifts and if you can support you would advise which days you are able to do. You would be required to assist the school to help support cover any training, day trips, sickness etc.
You would support our students, either within our primary or secondary phase. The role would be to work with our students in a class of up to 9, to support them through their learning journey. Teaching Assistants are responsible for supporting the students in class life, so they can reach their full potential. The rough age bracket for our Primary phase would be 4-10 and 11-16 for our Secondary Phase.
Aiding the Teacher, you will assist preparing for lessons and helping to deliver the curriculum. You will help our students understand lesson activities to support their learning and develop important life skills to prepare them for adulthood. You will also need to record and report all achievements, progress and development.
This role can be challenging and physically demanding at times, so communication, enthusiasm and resilience is key. Watching our students thrive and succeed is a testament to the positive impact our team have. This role is unbelievably rewarding and you will have the ongoing support from our experienced leadership team.
You will have the chance to work with specialist facilities: such as our therapy pool and sensory rooms, creating unique and inspiring environments. The ability to swim is not essential, but you must be comfortable getting into shallow water with students.
For this role, we are looking for someone who:
- GCSE grades A* - C (9- 4) in Maths & English - desirable
- Can easily adapt themselves in different learning environments with students
- Has a fun and supportive nature
- Doesn’t hesitate to play and get messy
- Displays a calm approach even when under pressure
- Will support with personal care such as nappies and toilet training
- Has a good understanding of mental health
- Is physically fit and able to take part in any exercise and activities required
We pride ourselves on our Values – Resilience, Partnership, Courage, Care and Curiosity. If you share these values, we want to hear from you!
As a Teaching Assistant with us, you will embark on our 12 week on-boarding programme completing a variety of in-house training and development courses to allow you to learn about each student and how you can best support them. You will also have the opportunity to continuously gain new skills during your career with us, whether this is learning sign language, becoming a training tutor yourself or completing NVQ qualifications to allow you to progress within the charity. Previous experience within this field is not required.
What We Offer:
- Term time hours
- Free parking
- Receive a Welcome bonus of up to £300 (paid in 2 instalments - after 3 months and after a 6 month probation)
- Employee referral award of £400 (each time!)
- Paid enhanced DBS when starting
- Bespoke training programmes
- SEN allowance of £500 - up to a maximum of £1500 (after successful 6 month probation period or DOE)
- Work within a team who are on hand to provide advice and guidance
- Online perks and discounts (such as Healthy & Beauty, Gym discounts, Shops and Restaurants etc)
As part of our commitment to making reasonable adjustments, we can offer support to complete your application. If you would prefer the application form in a word document or need any help please contact Carlyon 01202 084834. We welcome applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Relief Teaching Assistant employer: Autism Unlimited
Contact Detail:
Autism Unlimited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with autism and other learning complexities. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially in educational settings. Even if it's informal, sharing stories about how you've supported kids can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role by preparing questions about the school’s approach to teaching and supporting students. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former Teaching Assistants at Portfield School through social media or professional networks. They can provide insights into the role and the school culture, which can be invaluable during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Relief Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with autism and other learning complexities, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct experience in a similar role, think about any relevant skills or experiences you can bring to the table. This could include volunteer work, caring for children, or any roles that required patience and adaptability.
Showcase Your Values: Portfield School values resilience, partnership, courage, care, and curiosity. Make sure to reflect these values in your application. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these traits.
Complete the Application Form: Ensure you fill out the application form thoroughly and accurately. Pay attention to detail, as this is crucial in demonstrating your commitment to the role. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Unlimited
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Students
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping students thrive.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires covering various shifts and adapting to different learning environments, be prepared to discuss how you can adjust to changing situations. Provide examples of times when you've successfully adapted in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate with both students and teachers. You might want to share specific strategies you've used to engage students or resolve conflicts.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Abilities
Working as a Teaching Assistant involves collaborating with other staff members. Talk about your experience working in teams, how you contribute positively, and how you support your colleagues to create a nurturing environment for students.
