At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with additional needs and help them achieve their learning goals.
- Company: Axcis Education, a supportive specialist school in Blackburn.
- Benefits: Competitive pay starting at £14.25 per hour, flexible hours, and potential for permanent contracts.
- Other info: Small class sizes, outdoor learning spaces, and a welcoming community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or education, knowledge of autism and complex needs.
Axcis Education is recruiting SEND Teaching Assistants to work in a large specialist school in Blackburn. We have both full-time and part-time opportunities available, with standard working hours of 9:00am-3:00pm and a small number of roles available from 8:30am-3:30pm. Successful candidates may be offered a permanent contract after a successful placement.
This specialist school supports pupils aged 4-19 with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and complex needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you will provide classroom support, encourage independence, and help pupils achieve their individual learning goals. Personal care forms part of this rewarding role.
The position would suit candidates with experience in care, support work, healthcare, residential care, or special educational needs. If you are looking to move from a care setting into education, this is an excellent opportunity.
The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted and offers a welcoming and supportive environment. Class sizes are small, typically with fewer than 10 pupils, allowing staff to provide high-quality individual support. Each classroom has access to outdoor learning space, breakout rooms, and kitchen facilities. The school also benefits from sensory rooms, specialist equipment, free on-site parking, and good public transport links.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Experience working in a special school, care setting, or similar environment.
- Knowledge of autism, SLD, PMLD, or complex learning needs.
- Experience supporting children or adults with additional needs.
- A willingness to carry out personal care.
- A positive, reliable, and proactive approach.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
The following experience would be beneficial but is not essential:
- PECS or Makaton.
- Moving and Handling or Hoisting training.
- Experience supporting non-verbal learners.
Pay starts from £14.25 per hour. If you are passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs and are looking for a rewarding Teaching Assistant job in Blackburn, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join a dedicated school community where you can make a genuine difference every day.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Blackburn employer: Axcis Education
Axcis Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture within a specialist school in Blackburn. With opportunities for both full-time and part-time roles, employees benefit from standard working hours, access to professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs. The school's 'Good' Ofsted rating, small class sizes, and excellent facilities create an environment where staff can thrive and grow in their careers while enjoying the satisfaction of helping students achieve their individual learning goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Blackburn
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Axcis Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Axcis Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Axcis Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Axcis Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Axcis Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Axcis Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axcis Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
