At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary school pupils with Special Education Needs in a compassionate and engaging way.
- Company: Five Education, known for its supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Free specialised training, DBS refund after 20 days, and a friend referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Interest in supporting children; experience with SEND is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with excellent mentoring support.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Role Overview
An excellent, well-resourced special school in Yeovil is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves working with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and/or mental health challenges, providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.
This opportunity would suit someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker, or similar. However, applicants from related backgrounds such as mental health, sport, care, or youth work are also encouraged to apply.
The school has fantastic feedback from parents and supply staff and is known for its welcoming, inclusive environment. It is easily accessible by public transport and requires staff who can commit to full-time (5 days per week). For experienced candidates, pay rates can reflect this.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, both in the classroom and during outdoor activities
- Helping pupils remain focused, calm, and regulated throughout the day
- Adapting learning activities to meet individual pupil needs
- Supporting pupils with a range of needs, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs, and behavioural challenges
- Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff to help pupils reach their full potential
- Creating and maintaining a safe, stimulating, and positive learning environment
Qualities & Attributes
- Kind, patient, and compassionate individuals
- Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
- Confident in managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation
- Strong communicators with a positive, proactive mindset
- Able to build rapport with young people, especially those who may struggle to trust adults
- Previous SEND experience is desirable but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills
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.
Benefits
- 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.
Pay & Vetting
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.
Equal Opportunity
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
Contact Joseph.
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Teaching assistant employer: Five Education
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local schools or community events. Volunteering can give you hands-on experience and show your commitment to supporting children with SEN. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting pupils with SEND. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated patience and compassion. We want to see that you’re ready to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we offer loads of support and training opportunities that can help you shine in your new role.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with Special Education Needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly related to teaching. We love seeing how your skills can transfer to helping pupils with SEN and mental health challenges.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for kind, compassionate, and resilient individuals, so show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Special Education Needs (SEN) and the specific challenges that come with it, like Autism. This will show your genuine interest in supporting pupils and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples of how you've been kind and patient in challenging situations. This role requires a compassionate approach, so let your personality shine through!
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Think about how you would handle difficult behaviour in the classroom. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used or would use to help pupils stay calm and focused.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your enthusiasm for the role. Inquire about the training opportunities or how the school supports its Teaching Assistants. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth.