At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a caring and inclusive environment.
- Company: Axcis Education, a specialist SEND school in Southport.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and potential for permanent contracts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive outcomes for students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with autism and additional needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or support roles preferred; passion for helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Axcis Education is recruiting for Teaching Assistants to join a specialist SEND school in Southport. The school is seeking both full-time and part-time Teaching Assistants to support children and young people aged 4 to 19 years with a range of additional needs. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals from a care background who are looking to move into education, as well as experienced Teaching Assistants and support workers with a passion for supporting young people with special educational needs.
The school provides an inclusive and supportive education environment for autistic pupils across the spectrum. Students may also have additional needs including learning difficulties, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, global developmental delay (GDD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and associated behavioural needs.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will provide classroom and individual support to pupils, helping them develop confidence, communication skills and independence. The role will involve working predominantly with children and young people with autism, with some pupils requiring additional support with emotional regulation and challenging behaviour.
This position would be particularly suited to candidates with previous experience in care, healthcare, residential support or similar roles due to the level of support required. Previous experience working with children or young adults is desirable but not essential, as the school values the right attitude, willingness to learn and a caring approach.
As a School Care Assistant / Teaching Assistant, you must be comfortable supporting pupils with personal care when required. You may work across different age groups, so flexibility and adaptability are essential.
The school is looking for new Teaching Assistants to start as soon as possible. Permanent contracts may be offered to candidates who demonstrate commitment and succeed in the role. This large SEND school provides excellent training, development opportunities and career progression to help staff deliver the best possible outcomes for students. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic, patient, caring and dedicated to making a positive difference.
A successful Teaching Assistant will have:
- Experience working in a special school, SEND setting, care environment or support role (preferred).
- Knowledge of autism and experience supporting children or adults with additional needs (required).
- Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties, communication needs or complex needs.
- Training or experience in non-verbal communication methods such as PECS or Makaton (desirable).
- Experience with hoisting, movement and handling (desirable).
- A willingness to support with personal care.
- A proactive, enthusiastic and compassionate approach.
- Reliability, patience and consistency.
If you are a Care Worker, Support Worker or Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role in a specialist SEND school in Southport, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your career while supporting children and young people with autism and additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Teaching Assistant
✨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 Social Care Teaching Assistant
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.
