Teaching Assistant (SEND, Learner Support & Preparation for Adulthood) in Bradford

At Barnardo's, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential, develop independence and move confidently towards adulthood, employment and a fulfilling future. We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our Employment, Training & Skills Centre in Bradford. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people aged 16-19, and up to 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), to overcome barriers, develop confidence and gain the skills needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships, further education and independent adult lives.

Many of the young people who attend our centre face challenges that impact their education, emotional wellbeing and future aspirations. Whilst some learners have identified Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or EHCPs, many do not have a formal diagnosis but nevertheless require additional support to engage, achieve and progress.

Our programmes are designed not only to achieve qualifications, but to prepare young people for their next steps. Everything we do is underpinned by Preparation for Adulthood principles, supporting learners to develop:

• Employment skills and career aspirations
• Independent living skills
• Confidence and resilience
• Community participation and social inclusion
• Health and wellbeing
• Positive destinations into work, apprenticeships and further learning

If you are passionate about helping young people build brighter futures and believe in their potential regardless of the challenges they face, we would love to hear from you.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with tutors, our Pastoral Coach and wider centre team to provide tailored support that enables learners to access learning, achieve qualifications and develop the skills needed for adulthood and employment. You will support learners across a range of vocational and academic programmes, including:

• Childcare and Early Years
• Health and Social Care
• Business Administration
• Customer Service / Retail
• Mathematics (GCSE and Functional Skills)
• English (GCSE and Functional Skills)

The role is varied and no two days are the same. You may be:

• Supporting learners within classroom sessions alongside tutors
• Delivering targeted interventions in small groups
• Providing one-to-one learner support
• Supporting learners with SEND, SEMH needs and additional learning barriers
• Assisting learners to develop confidence, resilience and independence
• Helping learners manage anxiety, emotional wellbeing and engagement with learning
• Supporting learners to develop employability, communication and workplace skills
• Encouraging learners to take ownership of their learning and future career goals
• Supporting the implementation of EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood targets
• Working with tutors to adapt learning activities and resources
• Contributing to learner reviews, support records and progress monitoring
• Promoting positive behaviour, attendance, punctuality and professional standards
• Supporting learners to become work-ready and progress successfully into positive destinations

We are looking for someone who genuinely lives and breathes Barnardo's values and understands the importance of helping young people achieve their ambitions. You will be passionate about inclusion and committed to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background or need, has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.

Essential

• Experience working with young people aged 16-25
• Experience supporting learners with SEND and additional learning needs
• A strong understanding of barriers faced by vulnerable young people
• Experience supporting learners' emotional wellbeing and personal development
• Knowledge of strategies that support learner engagement, confidence and independence
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to motivate and inspire young people to achieve their goals
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• A positive, flexible and proactive approach to supporting learners

Desirable

• Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant support qualification
• Experience supporting learners with EHCPs
• Experience within Further Education, alternative provision or post-16 settings
• Knowledge of neurodiversity, SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice
• Understanding of Preparation for Adulthood outcomes and supported progression pathways
• Experience supporting learners into employment, apprenticeships or further learning

For over 150 years, Barnardo's has helped children and young people overcome barriers and achieve positive futures. At our Bradford centre, you will play a vital role in helping young people gain qualifications, develop life skills, improve their wellbeing and take meaningful steps towards employment, independence and adulthood. Every day brings the opportunity to make a lasting difference to a young person's future.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Benefits

• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service.
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme.
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options.
• Service related sick pay from day 1.
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's.
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension.
• Cycle2work scheme.
• Interest free season ticket loans.
• Discounts and cashback from high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal.
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores.
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc.
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do.