At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in their learning and development.
- Company: Brookside Academy, a nurturing and inclusive school community.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, wellbeing support, flexible working options, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience or interest in working with SEND children, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 28000 £ per year.
Brookside Academy, Street, is seeking to appoint a dedicated and compassionate Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant to join The Willows, our Specialist Provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support children with complex needs and play a key role in their learning, development and wellbeing.
The Willows is a 55-place Specialist Provision for children aged 5 to 11 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). It forms a vital part of our inclusive school community, alongside our Nursery and Mainstream provision, creating a unique environment where specialist and mainstream education work in harmony to support every child's development. Our commitment is to meet each child where they are, and to work in partnership with families to build pathways that are meaningful, achievable, and aspirational.
About the role:
- Supporting pupils with a wide range of SEND
- Supporting pupils both in and outside of the specialist provision classroom including outdoor learning and Forest School.
- Assisting in delivering tailored, personalised learning activities to pupils both individually and in small groups
- Helping to develop strategies and resources that promote independence, communication and progress built around each child's EHCP targets.
- Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Working closely with teachers, other support staff, parents and external professionals
- Fostering a positive, inclusive and nurturing learning environment
- Encouraging pupil participation, engagement and achievement
About you:
- The ideal candidate will have experience of, or a strong interest in, working with children with SEND
- Demonstrate patience, empathy and a nurturing approach
- Be confident supporting pupils with complex needs and behaviours
- Have strong communication and teamwork skills
- Be proactive, flexible and committed to inclusive education.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a supportive and dedicated team and to play a key role in the continued development of this provision within our inclusive academy.
What we offer:
- Generous local government pension scheme
- Employee Reward Scheme including high street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge, skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply. We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, generous employer pension contribution, annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme.
Helping you achieve a good work-life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part-time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you. We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students.
We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. A criminal disclosure check will be requested for any applicant who is offered a position.
Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant employer: Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
Brookside Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive environment for those dedicated to working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With benefits such as a generous local government pension scheme, employee reward schemes, and flexible working options, we ensure our team members can achieve a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils. Join us at The Willows, where your compassion and commitment will be valued as part of a collaborative community focused on nurturing every child's potential.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Brookside Academy and The Willows. Understanding their values and approach to SEND will help you connect with the team during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusive education! Be ready to share personal experiences or examples of how you've supported children with complex needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since teamwork is key in this role, think about how you can effectively convey your ideas and collaborate with others during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our supportive community at Brookside Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children with SEND shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support these amazing kids.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Brookside Academy. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to foster a nurturing environment.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself! We value authenticity, so share your unique perspective and approach to supporting children with complex needs. This will help us see how you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with different types of needs, strategies for support, and how to create an inclusive environment. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles or experiences. Whether it's working with children or in other settings, showing that you can connect with individuals on a personal level is key in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations with pupils who have complex needs. Think about scenarios where you might need to support emotional regulation or promote independence. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Teamwork is Essential
Highlight your teamwork skills by discussing past experiences where you've collaborated with teachers, parents, or other professionals. This role requires close cooperation, so demonstrating your ability to work well in a team will be a big plus in the eyes of the interviewers.
