At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a primary school setting.
- Company: Five Education is dedicated to providing exceptional educational support.
- Benefits: Enjoy free training, a recommend-a-friend bonus, and guaranteed work stability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with SLCN/SEMH needs and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to complete a fully funded Level 2 Teaching Assistant course.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 20000 £ per year.
Location: Westbury
Contract Type: Full-time (Monday to Friday, term-time only)
Start Date: September
Pay: £89-£95 per day (including holiday pay)
Five Education is looking for a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Resource Base within a mainstream primary school. The role involves working with children who have Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, aged between 7 and 11 years old.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys helping children overcome barriers to learning and thrive both emotionally and academically.
Responsibilities:
- Support pupils in class and in small intervention groups, guided by the teacher and SENDCo
- Use visual aids, structured routines and alternative communication strategies to support understanding
- Help students regulate their emotions and behaviour using trauma-informed strategies
- Provide feedback to teaching staff on pupil progress and behaviour
- Ensure the safety, well-being and inclusion of all children at all times
Essential Requirements:
- Experience supporting children with additional needs, ideally SLCN and/or SEMH
- Strong communication and behaviour management skills
- A calm, consistent and empathetic approach
- Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and staff
- A willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of needs and support plans
Desirable:
- Experience using communication tools such as PECS, visual timetables or Makaton
- Team Teach, Thrive or other relevant training
- Previous experience working in a resource base or special school
Want to become a qualified TA or gain further skills in SEND? We're working with a training provider offering a fully funded Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. This 4-week course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to work in schools and is ideal for developing a deeper understanding of SEND provision. On completion, you'll gain:
- NCFE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools & Colleges
- Level 1 Award in Securing Employment
- Level 1 Certificate in Personal Social Skills
- Level 1 Award in Personal Resilience & Perseverance
- Level 1 Certificate in Securing Progression
This is an intensive course and a great way to boost your confidence and experience in education. Please contact us for more information.
What can Five Education offer you?
- Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences
- Free specialist training (Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, etc.)
- Recommend a friend bonus scheme (£150)
- Refunded DBS cost after working 20 days
- Guaranteed work scheme for stability and peace of mind
- Specialist support and mentoring throughout your placement
Pay
Five Education operates a PAYE payroll - the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin charges or employer's NI. Please note, pay rate is illustrative and includes holiday pay.
Vetting
Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will undergo checks including reference and TRA checks. If you do not have a non-voluntary enhanced DBS on the update service, a new DBS will need to be processed at a cost of £62.70, refunded after 20 days of work and once registered to the update service.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, who are currently under-represented at this level.
SEND TA employer: Five Education
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND TA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Understanding these areas will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about supporting these children.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider gaining experience or training in communication tools like PECS or Makaton. Highlighting any relevant skills or certifications can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development in SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. Engaging with others in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations or referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to behaviour management and emotional support during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built trusting relationships with children and adapted your strategies to meet their individual needs.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND TA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and essential requirements for the SEND Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children who have additional needs, particularly in relation to Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your strong communication and behaviour management skills in your application. Provide specific examples of how you have successfully supported children in overcoming barriers to learning.
Express Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their emotional and academic development. Mention any relevant training or courses you are interested in, such as the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course offered by Five Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education
✨Show Your Compassion
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, demonstrating your compassion is key. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you supported children with additional needs, highlighting your empathetic approach and how it positively impacted their learning.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Strong communication is essential for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with children, teachers, and parents in the past. Mention any specific tools or strategies you've used, such as PECS or visual timetables.
✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Techniques
Discuss your experience with behaviour management, especially in challenging situations. Provide examples of trauma-informed strategies you've implemented to help students regulate their emotions and behaviour, showcasing your calm and consistent approach.
✨Express Willingness to Learn
Convey your eagerness to learn and adapt to various needs. Mention any relevant training you've undertaken or are interested in, such as Team Teach or Makaton, and how you believe these will enhance your ability to support students effectively.