At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a nurturing and personalised learning environment.
- Company: Aspire School, dedicated to empowering students with unique educational journeys.
- Benefits: Friendly team, professional development, healthy work-life balance, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and a positive, resilient team culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, strong communication skills, and a passion for nurturing individual talents.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We are offering a rare opportunity to join a purpose-built environment designed for our children who have additional needs including autism and speech and language. At Aspire School, we believe that education should be both personalised and aspirational for every learner. We are seeking an experienced and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. This role involves providing support for pupils with unique and individual needs. The student demonstrates high academic ability but requires additional emotional support to thrive. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable, proactive, and highly observant, with a genuine passion for nurturing and supporting individual pupils. If you have the relevant experience and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in a child’s educational journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.
This is a temporary appointment (initially a 1 year contract with a view to extend) term time only contract (38 weeks per year plus 5 training days), 32.5 hours per week, 8.30 until 15.30 Monday to Friday.
Desired Candidate Profile- You have experience in supporting children with SEN;
- You have previously supported pupils with anxiety;
- You have previous experience or training in de-escalation and/or positive behaviour support;
- You are an understanding and resilient person;
- You thrive working in a friendly team with like-minded people;
- You have a positive sense of humour and attitude;
- You are a clear communicator with adults and children;
- You are a positive role model to all;
- A friendly and supportive team;
- Opportunities for progression and development through training, coaching and mentoring;
- A healthy work-life balance;
- An inclusive environment where you feel valued;
- A supportive leadership team;
- Excellent pension scheme;
- Counseling Service;
- Health Cashplan (after 6 months);
- Free parking;
- Discounted breakfast and after school club for your child (if your child attends one of our trust schools);
If you are experienced, enthusiastic and adaptable and have the passion to bring out and nurture the individual talents in our pupils, aged 4 -11 with ASD and speech and language needs, please do complete an application form. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview and observation at the school. Aspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare for all children and preventing extremism. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches for publicly available information.
Teaching Assistant (32.5 hours per week) employer: Aspire School
Aspire School is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, our team enjoys opportunities for progression through training and mentoring, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Located in a purpose-built facility, we offer a supportive culture where every member feels valued, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (32.5 hours per week)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what Aspire School is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Aspire School's values and approach. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to support children with additional needs. Bring examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Teaching Assistant, you'll need to connect with both pupils and staff. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you're ready to shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at Aspire School!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (32.5 hours per week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children with additional needs shine through. We want to see your genuine passion for making a difference in their educational journey.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supporting children with SEN, especially those with anxiety. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and adaptability in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity as it reflects your communication skills, which are vital for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Aspire School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire School
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN), particularly autism and speech and language support. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to help children with similar needs thrive.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their educational journey. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle situations involving anxiety or de-escalation techniques, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting pupils with SEN. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to understand how you can contribute to their mission.
