At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join Expanse Learning, a rapidly growing organisation dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy full school holidays, career development opportunities, and access to healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND is a plus, but passion and teamwork are key!
- Other info: Flexible hours available and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 23809 £ per year.
About us
Expanse Group is a thriving organisation that has grown rapidly over the last few years. We now comprise two college sites, a school, vocational centre and a forest school. Expanse College works with students aged 16-25 with additional needs such as Autism or ADHD, and we also work with a range of other special educational needs including multiple and complex. Expanse Learning was founded in 2013 and operates across Wigan & Leigh employing approximately 120 staff. We operate an Independent Specialist College and an Independent Specialist School working with 200+ students each year. Our core purpose is to provide High Needs education programmes that promote opportunities for Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health. Our core target groups are children and young people aged 11-25 with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and/or Social Emotional Mental Health needs (SEMH). Our Ethos is 'Progression through Education & Care'. We believe that anyone with the right package of care and education can make progress and achieve. Our Values are Teamwork & Togetherness, Open & Honest, Courage & Innovation, Accountability & Responsibility, Organised & Efficient.
Exciting opportunities have arisen to join our wonderful College team. We are looking to appoint several teaching assistants across our sites. Successful candidates will be based at either our Orrell Lodge site or at our Leigh Sports Village site. Working hours will be 8:30-4:30; however, part-time hours will be considered upon request. Annual salary is £23,809. This salary is not subject to pro rata; all teaching assistants receive full school holiday entitlement.
Company Benefits
- Access to CPD to support you in your role
- Full School Holiday Package
- Pension Sacrifice Scheme
- Opportunities for career development
- Access to BUPA healthcare
- NEST Pension scheme
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee annual wellbeing day
Safeguarding Statement
Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment. It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS. An online search will be completed as part of Expanse Learning's pre-employment checks.
Qualifications and Skills
- 2+ years' experience working and supporting individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities including those with profound and complex needs is desirable, but not essential.
- An understanding of the support needs of students with SEND (including profound and complex needs, mental health difficulties) is desirable, but not essential.
- Outstanding organisational and time-management skills.
- Good communication and 'people' skills.
- To hold a minimum of Level 3 Learning Support Qualification or a willingness to undertake.
- To hold level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently.
- Proven ability to create strong links and work effectively as part of a team.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Wigan employer: Expanse Learning
Contact Detail:
Expanse Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Expanse Learning on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SEND needs and how they relate to the role. We want to demonstrate our understanding of the challenges students face and how we can support them effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for education and care during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight our commitment to helping students with SEND thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and we can easily track our progress.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the SEND Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your experience with students who have additional needs and show how your skills align with our values at Expanse Learning.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; give examples of how you've used your organisational and communication skills in previous roles. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and support our students effectively.
Be Honest and Open: We value transparency, so be upfront about your experiences and qualifications. If you’re still working towards your Level 3 Learning Support Qualification, let us know! We appreciate a willingness to learn and grow.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Expanse Learning
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Understand the specific challenges faced by students with conditions like Autism or ADHD, as well as how to support them effectively. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with individuals with learning difficulties. Even if you don't have direct experience, think about transferable skills from other roles. Highlight any relevant training or qualifications, especially if you have a Level 3 Learning Support Qualification.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is a core value for Expanse Learning, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Talk about how you communicate and collaborate with others, especially in challenging situations. This will help illustrate that you embody their values of teamwork and togetherness.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the support systems in place for staff, opportunities for professional development, or how they measure success for their students. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.