At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of inclusive schools.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
We are seeking caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our team on a bank/casual basis. This flexible role offers the opportunity to work as and when required, supporting pupils with a range of additional needs in our nurturing and inclusive special school environment. You will work closely with teachers and other professionals to provide tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with autism, communication difficulties, and complex learning needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support pupils’ learning on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
- Assist the class teacher in delivering personalised learning activities
- Promote pupils’ independence, confidence, and social development
- Support pupils with communication, emotional regulation, and behaviour
- Help create a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment
- Contribute to monitoring and recording pupil progress
Brookfields School provides a quality, inclusive and specialist education for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders. We are committed to an inclusive approach to teaching and learning to provide equal opportunities for all pupils, providing a positive, stimulating, child-centred learning environment, where everyone is valued and respected, promoting the personal qualities of individuals so that they achieve and contribute to their highest level, sustaining the highest quality teaching and learning standards, and promoting learning as a life-long process involving a wide community of people including families.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities. We empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive. Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.
At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs. Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £13.05 - £13.47 per hour – Pay Award Pending
Working hours: Bank Contract – Offering Flexible Working Arrangements
SEN Teaching Assistant in Widnes employer: Brookfields School
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for Teaching Assistants to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. With a strong commitment to employee development through high-quality training and a collaborative culture, staff are empowered to grow professionally and personally. The Trust values every voice and prioritises wellbeing, ensuring that each team member feels supported and inspired in their vital role within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Brookfields School or other schools in the Shaw Education Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEND, especially autism and communication difficulties. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve supported learning or promoted independence. We want to see how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community and making a real impact in the lives of our pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with special educational needs 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 working with children or in educational settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission of providing inclusive education.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our amazing team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brookfields School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SEN Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEND, including autism and communication difficulties. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support these students effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children with special educational needs shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to making a difference in their lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers who value passion and commitment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples where you've supported a child’s learning or managed challenging behaviour. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to inclusivity and support for staff development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation, and it gives you a chance to gauge if it’s the right fit for you.