At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in their learning and wellbeing.
- Company: Brookside Academy, a nurturing and inclusive school community.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, employee rewards, flexible working options, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- 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.
Brookside Academy 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:
- 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 in Street employer: Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
Brookside Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, we offer a supportive work environment, generous benefits including a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for flexible working arrangements. Join our dedicated team at The Willows, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant in Street
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Brookside Academy and The Willows. Understanding their values and approach to SEND will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations involving pupils with complex needs. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant in Street
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children with SEND shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if it involves supporting children with complex needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role at The Willows.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly!
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, how they affect learning, and the strategies that can help. This will show your passion and commitment to supporting children in their development.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles or experiences. Think about specific situations where you supported someone with complex needs and how you approached it. This will highlight your nurturing approach, which is crucial for this role.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Collaboration is key in a school environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with teachers, parents, and other professionals in the past. Share examples that illustrate your strong communication skills and your ability to foster a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations with pupils. Think about how you would support a child struggling with emotional regulation or how you would adapt learning activities for different needs. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.
