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- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in a special school environment.
- Company: A caring and inclusive special school in east Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with diverse needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with special needs and a compassionate approach.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a rewarding and dynamic role.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and resilient teaching assistant to support students at a special school in east Bristol. This school caters for children and young people with a range of additional needs, including learning difficulties, ASC, ADHD, and SEMH challenges. Many of the pupils have behavioural needs which require a calm, confident, and consistent approach.
This role is best suited to someone who is highly proactive, comfortable with setting boundaries, and able to remain composed in challenging situations. Experience in education, care, youth work or behaviour support is highly desirable, though not essential. Your attitude and ability to build trust are what matter most.
This is a term-time role with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a specialist setting. At Five Education we are also proud to support our agency staff with ongoing training, including behaviour de-escalation (Team Teach), Makaton and safeguarding.
Main Responsibilities:
• Provide structured 1:1 or small group support to students with high needs
• Use de-escalation strategies and consistent boundaries to manage challenging behaviour
• Work closely with teaching staff and SENCo to implement behaviour plans and support strategies
• Encourage students to engage with learning through positive relationships and tailored support
• Support pupils during unstructured times such as break and lunch to ensure safety and inclusion
Essential Criteria:
• Confident, proactive, and emotionally resilient
• Available to work full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30-15:30 (term-time only)
• Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer sponsorship or accept skilled worker visas
• Hold a current DBS check on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one*
*Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.
What can Five Education offer you?
• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Cost of DBS refunded after you work 20 days
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support / mentoring while you are working
If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Kate at 01174226167. We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you.
Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer\’s NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.
Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.
Contact Kate on 0117 422 6167 /
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Special Needs TA employer: Five Education Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs TA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its approach to special needs education. Show us that you understand the challenges faced by students with ASC, ADHD, and SEMH needs, and be ready to discuss how you can support them effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions for teaching assistants. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience and a calm approach, as these qualities are key for this role. We want to see how you handle real-life situations!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Get your application in and let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs TA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with additional needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people who have learning difficulties or behavioural challenges. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Research common challenges faced by children with learning difficulties, ASC, ADHD, and SEMH. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and prepared to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Think about situations where you’ve successfully managed challenging behaviours or supported students through tough times. This will highlight your ability to stay calm and confident under pressure.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in a special needs environment. Prepare to discuss how you’ve worked effectively within a team before. Mention any strategies you used to communicate with teachers, parents, and other support staff to ensure the best outcomes for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to behaviour management or how they support their teaching assistants. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
