At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a caring and dynamic environment.
- Company: Cape Cornwall School, part of Truro and Penwith Academy Trust, located in beautiful West Penwith.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team, receive ongoing training, and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape educational development and work collaboratively across schools.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit community and help students thrive academically and socially.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, patient, and committed to 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.
SEND Support Assistant in Penzance employer: Cape Cornwall School
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust offers a unique opportunity to work as a SEND Support Assistant at Cape Cornwall School, where the strong sense of community and commitment to student success create a rewarding work environment. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of St Just, our small school fosters close relationships among staff, students, and families, ensuring that every team member is valued and supported. With ongoing professional development in innovative teaching practices and technology integration, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Support Assistant 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 with special educational needs will help you connect during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insights about the school culture and what they look for in a SEND Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting students with additional needs. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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 the Cape Cornwall School community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Support Assistant 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 SEND Support Assistant at Cape Cornwall School. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to working with children who have complex needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for 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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Cape Cornwall School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cape Cornwall School
✨Know the School and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Cape Cornwall School and its community. Understand their commitment to inclusion and how they support students with special educational needs. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about how you've handled challenging situations in the past, especially related to supporting students with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your patience and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Passion for SEN Support
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children who have additional needs. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had, and discuss how you can contribute to the 'Kites' ARB. This will demonstrate your commitment to helping students thrive academically and socially.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the school. Inquire about the support available for staff, the training provided, or how the school fosters collaboration between the 'Kites' ARB and mainstream classes. This shows your interest in the position and your desire to be an active part of the school community.
