Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol

Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 13000 - 16000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with special needs in various schools, fostering their academic and personal growth.
  • Company: Five Education is a leading provider of educational support in Bristol, dedicated to helping students thrive.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free training, a supportive environment, and a bonus scheme for recommending friends.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education and support.
  • Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn.
  • Other info: Flexible roles available, working term time only, with a dedicated consultant to guide you.

The predicted salary is between 13000 - 16000 £ per year.

Five Education is seeking a number of teaching assistants to work in a variety of schools in and around the Chew Valley area of North Somerset, starting from September 2025. These roles all involve supporting students who have a range of special needs including Down syndrome, ASD, ADHD, learning difficulties and more. We work with mainstream and special schools, supporting students that are from nursery up to secondary school age.

Some roles involve working 1:1 with a student throughout the week, while others will require you to assist more generally with all students in a class. You will provide tailored support to students with specific educational needs, fostering their academic and personal development. Experience is not necessary, but successful candidates will be compassionate, resilient and comfortable handling challenging behaviour. This role would ideally suit psychology graduates wanting to learn more about cognitive and behavioural issues, as well as those who have a background in support work or care.

As well as seeking experienced educators, we are also ready to assist compassionate and eager individuals in gaining vital experience. Whilst working for Five Education, you will benefit from training such as Makaton, PMLD Awareness and Team Teach, and have a dedicated consultant who will help you every step of the way.

Main Responsibilities:
  • Supporting students both 1:1 and in small groups by making the curriculum accessible, using creative approaches to make learning fun
  • Helping students to develop social skills and self-regulation skills
  • Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCo and other staff members to address the individual needs of students
  • Encouraging socialisation and good behaviour through positivity and praise
Essential Criteria:
  • Empathetic, patient and have a strong interest in supporting children
  • Able to work 5 days a week (term time only), Monday-Friday 8:30-15:30
  • Right to work in the UK - we CANNOT accept sponsorship or a skilled worker visa
  • Minimum two recent references, covering the last two years
  • Up-to-date DBS/police check, or be willing to obtain 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?
  • Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
  • Free DBS (refunded when 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. 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.

Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol employer: Five Education Recruitment Limited

Five Education is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for teaching assistants in the Chew Valley area of North Somerset. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from free specialised training and mentoring, ensuring they are well-equipped to support students with special educational needs. The company values compassion and resilience, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying a collaborative and rewarding work culture.
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Contact Detail:

Five Education Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with special educational needs (SEN) terminology and strategies. Understanding terms like ASD, ADHD, and PMLD will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in supporting students with diverse needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Reach out to current or former teaching assistants to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the role and help you articulate your passion for supporting students during your discussions with us.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider volunteering or shadowing in a school setting before applying. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your understanding of the role but also demonstrate your commitment to working with children who have special needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging behaviour in a positive way. Think of examples from your life where you've shown patience and empathy, as these qualities are essential for the role and will resonate well with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol

Empathy
Patience
Strong Communication Skills
Behaviour Management
Teamwork
Creativity in Teaching
Adaptability
Understanding of Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Resilience
Ability to Foster Social Skills
Interest in Child Development
Collaboration with Educators
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the teaching assistant position. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with special educational needs (SEND) and how you can support them.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the job description. If you have a background in psychology, support work, or care, make sure to emphasise this in your CV. Use specific examples to demonstrate your compassion and resilience.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with special needs. Mention why you are interested in this role and how your values align with those of Five Education. Be sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.

Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of SEND and how you would handle challenging behaviour. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated patience and empathy, as these qualities are essential for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education Recruitment Limited

✨Show Your Compassion

During the interview, emphasise your empathy and patience. Share examples of how you've supported others, especially in challenging situations, to demonstrate your suitability for working with students who have special needs.

✨Familiarise Yourself with SEND

Research the specific special educational needs (SEND) mentioned in the job description, such as Down syndrome, ASD, and ADHD. Being knowledgeable about these conditions will show your commitment and readiness to support students effectively.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Since the role involves collaborating with teachers and other staff, be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve common goals, particularly in educational or care settings.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the types of support provided to teaching assistants, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

Teaching Assistants (SEND) in Bristol
Five Education Recruitment Limited
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