At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEN/SEMH needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: A welcoming secondary school dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN/SEMH students and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant to join our supportive secondary school team. The successful candidate will work closely with students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to access learning, develop confidence, and achieve their full potential. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience of supporting young people in a secondary school setting who is passionate about making a positive difference to students’ lives.
Key responsibilities
- Provide in-class support for students with SEN/SEMH needs across a range of subjects.
- Support students with emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement in learning.
- Work with teachers and the SEND team to implement individual support strategies and interventions.
- Build positive, professional relationships with students, staff, and parents/carers.
- Assist with monitoring student progress and maintaining appropriate records.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
The successful candidate will have
- Previous experience working in a secondary school with students with SEN and/or SEMH needs (essential).
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A genuine commitment to supporting young people and their wellbeing.
Desirable (but not essential)
- A degree or relevant qualification.
- Experience supporting students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, attachment difficulties, or challenging behaviour.
- Training in behaviour management, safeguarding, or mental health support.
Please note: While a graduate applicant would be welcomed, relevant secondary school experience supporting students with SEN/SEMH is considered more important than holding a degree.
What we offer
- A welcoming and supportive staff team.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on students’ education and wellbeing.
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant - Hackney employer: Create Education
Join our dynamic school in Enfield, London, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers teachers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEMH needs. We offer competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and clear pathways for career progression, ensuring that our staff are equipped and inspired to thrive in their roles. Here, you will find a nurturing environment that values resilience, teamwork, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant - Hackney
✨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 Create 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 Create 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 Create 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 Create 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 Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant - Hackney
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 Create Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Create 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 Create 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.
