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- Tasks: Support children with emotional and behavioural needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Coventry's SEND Support Service, a dynamic and inclusive team.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a willingness to learn are key.
- Other info: Open to diverse applicants; guaranteed interviews for specific groups.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Keys are warm and welcoming mainstream provisions for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils who are at risk of suspension or exclusion and are struggling to meet the behavioural expectations of their school. Short-term, intensive support in a small group is provided to improve emotional resiliency and skills needed to be successful in an educational setting. We offer a broad and balanced creative curriculum which is differentiated to ensure that the children experience positive outcomes. Our aim is for children to successfully return to their mainstream school following a personalised re-integration programme planned by Key and school staff, parents/carers, and pupils.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
Our Values
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? Join Coventry's highly regarded SEND Support Service and be part of a dynamic, supportive team dedicated to helping young people thrive. As a key member of our Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Learning Team, you'll play a vital role in shaping brighter futures by combining tailored learning support with emotional and behavioural strategies.
You will be part of a team of teachers and teaching assistants and other professionals working closely together to provide personalised support for vulnerable young people. Curricular continuity and progress is balanced with behavioural and emotional support to enable improved outcomes and school readiness for pupils. You will be a role model and motivator.
You will support the teacher in the delivery of the curriculum, work with small groups and individuals in targeted interventions and have excellent behaviour management skills. You will have the skills to support pupils in their school as needed and be able to model and share supportive strategies with colleagues working in mainstream schools. You will be required to travel from the base to support pupils in their ‘home’ school.
We can offer you a supportive and friendly team of colleagues and an excellent programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. If you're resilient, empathetic, and ready to inspire the next generation, we’d love to hear from you!
Whilst our positions are open to all applicants, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role therefore all applicants must have a Right to Work in the UK. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for?
To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who:
- Is personally resilient
- Can build relationships quickly and not take behaviour personally
- To be empathetic and patient
- To be positive and affirming
- To be solution-focused
- To be a good team player
- To be a good communicator
- To have experience in a primary school or service setting
- Experience in supporting primary aged children with their social, emotional, and mental health needs is not essential, but a willingness to train and develop these skills is required
Please note the salary advertised will be pro-rata to weeks and hours worked (Term Time Only).
If you are interested in this role and would like to find out more please contact us to arrange a telephone conversation or a site visit. Please contact Dawn Neale or Marie Rowley at dawn.neale@coventry.gov.uk or marie.rowley@coventry.gov.uk to arrange.
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled "Coventry City Council Application Process". If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Closing date: Thursday 26th February 2026
Interview date: Monday 2nd March 2026
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. We are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities. If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package.
Specialist Teaching Assistant at the Key employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant at the Key
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the role of a Specialist Teaching Assistant. Think about how you can demonstrate your empathy and resilience through real-life examples. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have experience working with children, especially those with social, emotional, and mental health needs, be ready to discuss it. Bring along any relevant certifications or training you've completed to back up your claims.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant at the Key
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping children and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your skills in emotional support and teamwork, as these are key to the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct experience in a primary school setting, share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your resilience, empathy, and ability to build relationships. We love seeing how you can bring your background into this role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we’re excited to read what you have to say.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Key's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences can contribute to supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with children or colleagues. Highlight how you’ve used patience and understanding to help others overcome challenges.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with teachers and other professionals. Think of instances where you’ve worked effectively in a team. Be ready to discuss how you communicate and support your colleagues, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about behaviour management strategies. Reflect on your approach to handling difficult situations and how you maintain a positive environment. Share specific techniques you’ve used to encourage good behaviour and emotional resilience in children.
