At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Company: Cape Cornwall School, part of Truro and Penwith Academy Trust, located in beautiful West Penwith.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team, gain valuable experience, and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape educational practices and work collaboratively across schools.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit community and help students thrive academically and socially.
- Qualifications: A caring nature and a passion for supporting students with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust, together with the Local Monitoring Committee of both Cape Cornwall School and St Just Primary School, are seeking to appoint a dynamic and committed SEN Support Assistant for Cape Cornwall School. Cape Cornwall School is located in St Just in West Penwith, Cornwall. We are the most westerly school on mainland UK – and also one of the smallest secondary schools in the UK. There are sea views across our school fields and we are surrounded by beautiful countryside. Our catchment is broad: we serve St Just as well as surrounding villages. Many of our students bus in from local villages like Pendeen, Sennen, St Buryan and St Levan. Some of our students travel from Penzance each day in the school minibuses.
Our size is our strength – there are very strong relationships between staff and between students and their families. We all share the desire to achieve the very best for our students, many of whom face significant challenges. We are proud of our school community and the school is a big part of St Just. We participate regularly in community events, and support the wider community, for example with fundraising and participation in local events like the Lafrowda festival and St Piran’s Day.
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust have been at the forefront of innovative practice through the ‘Advantage Project’. For almost 3 years, our children have used iPads to support their learning. Staff receive significant ongoing training as part of our ‘Digital Transformation’ – our work is delivered using ‘Showbie’ as a workflow tool; pedagogy is supported and underpinned using a range of apps; we also use ‘Jamf Teacher’ as a classroom management system. We have a designated Digital Transformation Lead who has recently qualified as an Apple Learning Coach, and supports our growing confidence in the use of technology.
Our school is also home to our ‘Kites’ Area Resource Base. This is a bespoke provision for children with a range of special educational needs. There are 20 children roll at Kites and we are proud of the interface between ‘Kites’ and the mainstream school. Many of the students registered to ‘Kites’ follow a mainstream academic pathway whilst others have a bespoke curriculum, well-suited to their needs.
Our Headteacher is Headteacher of St Just Primary School as well as Cape Cornwall School. This has created a fabulous opportunity for the two schools to work together to create one educational journey for the children in St Just from Early Years to 16. The successful applicant would potentially have a role in shaping the development of maths cross-phase.
About You:
Cape Cornwall School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and versatile individual to join our SEN Support Team within our ‘Kites’ ARB. The post will involve working closely with students who may display complex and challenging behaviour. The successful applicant will have a patient and caring nature, as well as an inherent desire to help students with additional needs thrive academically and socially within our specialist ’Kites’ Area Resource Base (ARB). Our ‘Kites’ ARB forms part of Cape Cornwall School and is a specialist provision for children who have special educational needs.
You will share our commitment to excellence, inclusion and aspiration for every student and will be determined to ensure the very best outcomes for children. You will work in partnership with colleagues within Truro and Penwith Academy Trust schools.
SEN Support Assistant – Kites ARB, Inclusive Learning in Penzance employer: Cape Cornwall School
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust offers a nurturing and inclusive work environment at Cape Cornwall School, where the strong community ties foster meaningful relationships among staff, students, and families. With a commitment to innovative educational practices and ongoing professional development, employees are empowered to grow and make a significant impact on the lives of students with special educational needs. The picturesque location in St Just, surrounded by stunning countryside and a supportive local community, adds to the unique advantages of working here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Support Assistant – Kites ARB, Inclusive Learning in Penzance
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Cape Cornwall School and its community. Understanding their values and how they support students will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they're really looking for in a SEN Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with students who have complex needs. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress 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 amazing team at Cape Cornwall School and contributing to our inclusive learning environment.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Assistant – Kites ARB, Inclusive Learning in Penzance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to helping every child thrive, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of SEN Support Assistant at Cape Cornwall School. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with our values of inclusion and excellence, and don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our Kites ARB.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cape Cornwall School
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and the specific challenges students might face. Familiarise yourself with the strategies that can help these students thrive, especially in a setting like the Kites ARB.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
During the interview, express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children who have additional needs. Share personal experiences or examples that highlight your commitment to inclusion and how you’ve supported students in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour. Prepare some examples of how you've successfully managed similar scenarios, focusing on patience and positive reinforcement.
✨Connect with the Community Spirit
Since the school values its community ties, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to local events and initiatives. Show that you understand the importance of building relationships not just within the school, but also with families and the wider community.
