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- Tasks: Support children with complex needs, helping them learn and grow every day.
- Company: EmpowerED Education Recruitment, dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Ongoing support, professional development, and potential long-term opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and develop transferable skills in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in care, support work, or related fields is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
EmpowerED Education Recruitment is proud to be supporting a highly regarded specialist education provision in Reading. We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and motivated individuals who are passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties) and complex needs.
This role is ideal for individuals who bring either professional or personal experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable individuals, alongside a strong willingness to learn and develop within a specialist education environment.
About the roleYou will support pupils with a wide range of additional needs including:
- Complex medical needs
- Physical disabilities
- Communication difficulties
- Sensory needs
- Autism and learning disabilities
The role involves supporting both learning and personal care needs, helping students access education, build independence, and feel safe, respected, and supported each day.
Suitable backgrounds and experienceWe welcome applicants from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. If you have experience in at least two of the following areas, we would love to hear from you:
- Care or support work (residential care, supported living, nursing homes)
- Supporting individuals with disabilities or additional needs
- Personal care or manual handling experience
- Psychology, counselling, or therapy‑related studies/backgrounds
- Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy exposure
- Sports coaching or physical activity leadership
- Youth work, mentoring, or community support roles
- Mainstream school experience
- Nursery or EYFS settings
- SEN education or behaviour support roles
- Health and social care work
- Mental health support roles
- Supporting non‑verbal individuals or alternative communication methods (PECS, Makaton, visual supports)
- Behaviour management or emotional regulation support
- Voluntary work with vulnerable children or adults
- Personal experience supporting own children, siblings, or family members with disabilities or additional needs
- Passionate about supporting children and young people with complex needs
- Resilient, patient, and emotionally intelligent
- Calm and confident when faced with challenging behaviour
- Not phased by personal care or physical support requirements
- Willing to learn and undertake training
- Reliable, proactive, and a strong team player
All applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and meet safer recruitment compliance standards prior to placement.
Why join through EmpowerED Education Recruitment?- Ongoing support from a specialist education recruitment team
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Valuable SEN and complex needs experience
- Potential long‑term and permanent opportunities
If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can truly make an impact while developing highly transferable skills within education, care, or therapeutic pathways, we would love to hear from you. Apply today with EmpowerED Education Recruitment and begin your journey in specialist education.
Special Needs Teaching Assistant Reading employer: Empowered
Contact Detail:
Empowered Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs Teaching Assistant Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They can provide insights and might even know of job openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to special needs support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine and show your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personal experiences! If you've supported someone with complex needs, share those stories. It demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by students.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and passions. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your journey to making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Teaching Assistant Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's professional or personal. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so be specific about how your skills can benefit our students.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to be yourself! Authenticity goes a long way in applications. Share your genuine thoughts on why you want to work in this specialist setting and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Empowered
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of children with PMLD and complex needs. Familiarise yourself with relevant communication methods like PECS or Makaton, as well as any personal experiences you can share that relate to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for supporting children shine through. Share stories from your past experiences, whether professional or personal, that highlight your commitment and resilience in helping those with additional needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle challenging behaviour or support a child with specific needs. Think about real-life examples beforehand so you can respond confidently and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other. This shows your eagerness to learn and be part of a collaborative environment.