At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in a caring and inclusive environment.
- Company: Axcis Education, a reputable SEND school in Skelmersdale.
- Benefits: Competitive pay starting at £14.25 per hour and potential for permanent contracts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent facilities and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or SEND settings, and a proactive, patient attitude.
Axcis Education are delighted to be working with a large SEND school in Skelmersdale that is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join their team from September 2026. This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, with working hours of 8:30am to 3:30pm. Permanent contracts may be available for candidates who successfully establish themselves within the school.
The school supports students aged 11 to 18 with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), learning disabilities and complex needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you will provide classroom and individual support to pupils, helping them access learning, develop independence and achieve their personal goals.
The role will involve supporting students with autism across the spectrum, including pupils with communication needs and those requiring additional support with daily routines. Personal care will form part of the role, so this position would be particularly suitable for candidates with experience in care, support work, healthcare or previous SEND education settings.
This highly regarded SEND school was rated ‘Good’ in its most recent OFSTED inspection and provides a supportive, inclusive learning environment. The school offers excellent facilities, including sensory rooms, specialist resources and outdoor spaces designed to support pupils with additional needs. There is also a large on-site car park and public transport links within walking distance.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and specialist staff to support pupils’ educational, social and emotional development. A patient, caring and proactive approach is essential, along with the ability to build positive relationships with young people with complex needs.
A successful Teaching Assistant will have:
- Experience working in a special school, SEND setting or care environment.
- Experience supporting children or adults with autism, learning disabilities or complex needs.
- Knowledge of severe learning disabilities (SLD) and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
- Experience or training in communication approaches such as PECS or Makaton (desirable).
- Experience with hoisting and manual handling (desirable).
- A willingness to support with personal care.
- A caring, enthusiastic and proactive attitude.
- Reliability, patience and consistency.
Pay starts from £14.25 per hour. If you are looking for a rewarding Teaching Assistant job in Skelmersdale and have experience supporting pupils with SEND, autism, learning disabilities or complex needs, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join a supportive specialist school where you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Skelmersdale employer: Axcis Education
Axcis Education is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding opportunity for Teaching Assistants in a highly regarded SEND school in Skelmersdale. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and support, the school provides excellent facilities and resources, fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. Employees benefit from a permanent contract potential, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Skelmersdale
✨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 Skelmersdale
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.