SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Five Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with diverse needs in a compassionate and engaging environment.
  • Company: Five Education, a supportive and inclusive secondary school in Taunton.
  • Benefits: Free specialised training, mentoring, and a friendly work culture.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in education.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a patient, empathetic approach.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Five Education are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our well-resourced secondary school in Taunton, supporting students with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. Previous experience in supporting individuals with SEND such as autism and an ability to manage challenging behaviour is essential. The right person for this role will be kind, compassionate, patient and resilient.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide tailored 1:1 or small group support based on individual needs and EHCP targets.
  • Adapt learning materials and teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
  • Support students in developing communication, emotional regulation, and independent learning skills.
  • Work closely with teaching staff and the SENDCo to implement effective strategies for engagement and progress.
  • Supervise students during break and lunch, ensuring their wellbeing and inclusion throughout the school day.

What We're Looking For

  • Experience working with young people with SEND, particularly in areas such as Autism, ADHD, speech/language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
  • A calm, flexible, and empathetic approach to supporting teenagers with varied and complex needs.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • A genuine commitment to promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for all learners.

Essential Requirements

  • Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
  • Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
  • Hold a current DBS check registered 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.
  • 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 from Joseph. 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.

SEN Teaching Assistant employer: Five Education

Five Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Taunton for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs. With free specialised training, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and a transparent PAYE payroll system, we empower our staff to grow professionally while fostering a culture of compassion and teamwork. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and promotes positive outcomes for all learners.

Five Education

Contact Details:

Five Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant

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 opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by researching common questions for Teaching Assistants. Think about how your experience aligns with the needs of students with Autism and ADHD. We want you to showcase your compassion and patience!

Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! Bring examples of how you've adapted learning materials or supported students in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to meet diverse learning styles and needs, which is key for this role.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always here to help you through the process if you have any questions.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant

Experience with SEND
Understanding of Autism
Understanding of ADHD
Speech and Language Support
Support for Physical Disabilities
Behaviour Management
Empathy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Compassion:When writing your application, let your compassionate side shine through. Share experiences where you've supported individuals with SEND, especially those with Autism or ADHD. We want to see how you connect with students and make a difference in their lives!

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to adapt your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use keywords from the job description, like 'emotional regulation' and 'independent learning skills', to show us you're the perfect fit for this role.

Be Honest About Your Experience:If you've got experience working with young people with SEND, shout about it! But if you're new to this, don’t worry—just be honest about your willingness to learn and grow in this area. We appreciate authenticity!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education

Know Your SEND Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), especially around Autism, ADHD, and speech/language difficulties. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students will show that you're not just familiar with the terms, but that you can apply them effectively.

Show Your Compassion

During the interview, let your genuine compassion and patience shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences where you’ve made a positive impact on a student’s life. This role is all about supporting young people, so demonstrating your empathy will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions

Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviour. Think of specific examples from your experience where you successfully managed difficult situations. Highlight your calm and flexible approach, as this is crucial for the role.

Teamwork is Key

Since you'll be working closely with teaching staff and the SENDCo, be ready to discuss your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past to create effective learning environments. Emphasising your ability to communicate and work as part of a team will show that you’re a great fit for their school culture.