At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Aspire People is the UK's fastest growing education recruitment agency, specialising in teaching and support staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible contracts, competitive pay, and access to free training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, communication skills, and understanding of SEN are essential.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with a strong commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Aspire People are searching for SEN experienced Learning Support Assistants for a SEN school located in Towcester, Northamptonshire. The school is a specialist independent school dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school offers a personalised approach to learning, with small class sizes and tailored educational plans that ensure every student can achieve their full potential. The school has a focus on both academic and social development, and provides a safe, inclusive space where students can thrive, building confidence, independence, and skills for life. The dedicated team of professionals at the school work closely with families and external agencies to offer holistic support, making it an ideal choice for children who require a more individualized approach to their education.
About you
Working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school requires a unique set of skills and qualities to support students effectively and help them achieve their full potential. Here are the key skills needed:
- Empathy and Patience: Working with students with SEN can sometimes require extra patience and understanding. The ability to empathize with students' challenges, whether they are academic, social, or emotional, is essential for creating a supportive environment.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital, as you will be working with students who may have a range of communication needs. You may need to adapt your language and communication style, using visual aids, sign language, or communication boards for students who find verbal communication difficult.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Each student will have different needs and learning styles, and these can change day to day. Being adaptable and flexible in your approach ensures that you can meet the individual needs of each student and adjust plans as necessary.
- Understanding of SEN: A good understanding of various special educational needs (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory impairments) and how these conditions affect learning and behaviour is important. This knowledge helps you to provide appropriate support tailored to each student's needs.
- Behaviour Management: Strong skills in behaviour management are essential. You should be able to handle challenging behaviour with calmness and consistency while employing positive reinforcement techniques and understanding the root causes behind certain behaviours.
- Resilience and Emotional Strength: The role can be emotionally demanding. It requires a high level of resilience and the ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations, whether it's dealing with difficult behaviours or supporting students through emotional difficulties.
Who are Aspire People?
Aspire People is the UK's fastest growing education recruitment agency and we specialise in providing teaching and support staff to schools across the Midlands and surrounding regions. We focus on delivering high-quality service to all candidates and clients, working closely with primary, secondary, and SEN schools to match them with qualified professionals, including teachers, teaching assistants, and administrative staff. We are fully committed to safeguarding and have built a strong reputation for reliability, expertise, and a people-first approach in the education sector.
Why join Aspire People?
- Dedicated consultant who will support you every step of the way
- Opportunities to gain experience across a range of local settings
- Contracts to suit you! We specialise in permanent, long-term, short-term, and day-to-day roles.
- Competitive pay with multiple payment options
- Refer a friend scheme which can earn £100-£250 per person
- Access to free CPD and training opportunities
Next Steps
Get in touch with an up to date CV! Simple.
SEN Learning Support Assistant employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEN. Research common conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to understand how they affect learning and behaviour. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support students effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your empathy and patience during any interactions or interviews. Share personal experiences where you've successfully supported someone in need, highlighting your ability to connect with students on an emotional level. This will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your communication skills and adaptability. Think of examples where you've had to adjust your communication style to meet someone's needs, especially in challenging situations. This will illustrate your flexibility and understanding of diverse learning styles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Aspire People and their approach to education recruitment. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to align your responses during discussions, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have working with students who have special educational needs. Include specific examples of how you've supported their learning and development.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline the key skills mentioned in the job description, such as empathy, communication, and adaptability. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in past roles.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Aspire People. Mention your commitment to providing a nurturing environment for students with SEND and how you align with their approach.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and patience in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to connect with students who have special educational needs.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly. You might be asked to demonstrate how you would adapt your communication style for different students, so be prepared to discuss various methods you've used.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Be ready to discuss situations where you've had to adapt your approach on the fly. This could involve changing lesson plans or finding new ways to engage a student who is struggling.
✨Understand SEN Needs
Brush up on your knowledge of different special educational needs and how they impact learning. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor your support to meet the unique needs of each student.