At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary and post-16 students with diverse additional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Engage Education, a trusted education recruitment agency focused on professional development.
- Benefits: Free CPD training, dedicated consultant support, and a £50 Amazon voucher for referrals.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a safe, inclusive school environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a passion for helping young people thrive.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
We are currently working with a highly regarded specialist school in Wakefield, who are seeking a compassionate and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team immediately.
About the role
The school supports secondary and post-16 students aged 11–19 with a wide range of additional needs, including:
- Autism
- Severe learning difficulties (SLD)
- Profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
- Sensory impairments
- Complex medical and physical needs
- Communication and interaction difficulties
- Challenging behaviour linked to additional needs
The school provides a nurturing and highly personalised learning environment, with a strong emphasis on communication, independence, life skills and preparing students for adulthood.
What we are looking for:
- Have experience supporting children or young people with SEND
- Are confident supporting students with complex learning needs and autism
- Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils
- Are patient, resilient and proactive
- Have a genuine passion for helping young people reach their full potential
Experience within specialist education, care settings, youth work, Theatre in Education (TIE), or therapeutic support environments would be highly beneficial.
About the school
The school is a Local Authority maintained specialist school in Ackworth, Wakefield, recognised for its inclusive ethos and outstanding provision for students with complex needs. The school prides itself on creating a safe, stimulating and joyful environment where every student is valued and supported to develop independence, communication skills and social confidence.
About us
We are Engage Education, the most trusted education recruitment agency, with professional development and support at our core.
- Free CPD and SEND-focused training
- Dedicated consultant support
- £50 Amazon voucher for successful referrals
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Successful candidates must hold, or be willing to obtain, an enhanced DBS check prior to starting work. Full assistance will be provided.
By applying for this role, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your details in our fully encrypted database, in line with GDPR requirements.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Wakefield employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for SEND Teaching Assistants in Wakefield. With a strong focus on professional development, including free CPD and SEND-focused training, employees are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with complex needs. The school's inclusive ethos and commitment to fostering independence and communication skills create a rewarding atmosphere for those passionate about helping young people thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEND. Show them you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about their specific needs and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to SEND. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role, so you can share real examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you get all the support you need from us during the process.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEND shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives, as this will resonate with us and show that you're the right fit for our nurturing environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting children or young people with complex needs. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and experiences that relate directly to the job description.
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences and motivations. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications, which is super important in a role like this.
Apply Through Our Website:To make the process smoother for both you and us, apply directly through our website. It’s quick, easy, and ensures that your application gets to the right place without any hiccups. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Understand the specific needs of students with autism, SLD, PMLD, and other challenges. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children or young people with SEND. Whether it's in a school, care setting, or even through youth work, concrete examples will help you stand out.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on how you can build strong, positive relationships with students. Share your strategies for connecting with pupils, especially those with complex needs. This is crucial in a nurturing environment like the one at the school.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Resilience
Prepare to discuss situations where your patience and resilience were tested. The role requires a proactive approach, so highlight how you’ve handled challenging behaviour or difficult situations in the past while maintaining a positive attitude.
