At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs, helping them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a caring primary school in Thirsk, part of a supportive Multi Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, weekly payments, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing support from a friendly local team and a rewarding work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Castle Education is working in partnership with an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary school in Thirsk to recruit a caring, patient, and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team on a full-time basis from September.
Part of a successful Multi Academy Trust comprising 18 primary schools, this welcoming school offers the perfect balance of excellent professional support and a close-knit, family feel. You’ll be welcomed by a supportive Senior Leadership Team that values collaboration, staff wellbeing, and creating the very best outcomes for every child.
This is a rewarding opportunity to support children with additional needs, helping them build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. No two days are the same, making this the ideal role for someone who is passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of young people.
The Role
- Support pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
- Encourage positive learning behaviours and promote emotional wellbeing
- Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs and learning styles
- Build trusting relationships with pupils, helping them feel safe, supported, and confident
- Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, parents, and external professionals
- Celebrate every achievement, no matter how big or small
We’re Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience supporting children or young people with SEND
- Is patient, compassionate, and resilient
- Can build positive relationships with children, colleagues, and families
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Is proactive, flexible, and eager to learn
- Has a genuine passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning
What We Offer
- Competitive daily pay rates paid weekly via PAYE
- A dedicated education consultant who understands the local schools and job market
- Access to CPD, safeguarding training, webinars, and professional development opportunities
- Referral bonus scheme
- Ongoing support throughout your placement from our friendly local team
Whether you’re an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant, a Learning Support Assistant looking for your next opportunity, or someone with transferable experience and a passion for supporting children with additional needs, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re looking for a role where every day is rewarding and where your support can have a lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.
SEN Learning Support Assistant in Thirsk employer: Castle Education
Castle Education is an excellent employer for primary teachers seeking a flexible and supportive work environment in Thirsk. With competitive pay rates, reduced workloads, and a commitment to professional development, we prioritise your work-life balance while empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Join us to benefit from our strong community ties and ongoing support as you grow in your teaching career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistant in Thirsk
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Castle Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Castle Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Castle Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Castle Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistant in Thirsk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Castle Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Castle Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.