At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to students with diverse needs in a flexible learning environment.
- Company: Five Education, a supportive and inclusive alternative provision setting.
- Benefits: Free specialised training, recommendation bonuses, and transparent payroll with holiday pay.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy specialist support and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with SEMH or additional needs and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Five Education is looking for a resilient, proactive, and committed Teaching Assistant to work within a highly alternative provision setting in Sharpness, Gloucestershire. This role supports students who attend on a part‑time basis and have a wide range of needs, including SEMH, Autism (ASC), speech and language difficulties, and school refusal. Classes are very small and much of the role involves 1:1 support, requiring strong relationship‑building skills and consistent supervision. Due to the rural location of the school, you must have access to a car, as the setting is not accessible via public transport. The setting offers a highly flexible and therapeutic approach to learning, where education is adapted to meet each pupil’s individual needs. Students may engage in learning outdoors, use sensory spaces, or take part in hands‑on projects such as gardening, growing vegetables, or building areas within the school grounds. This role requires someone who is confident, adaptable, and always aware, as some pupils may struggle with engagement or move around the setting, requiring calm and consistent supervision.
Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 support to students with SEMH, ASC, and additional needs
- Maintain a high level of supervision, ensuring pupils remain safe and supported
- Support learning in both indoor and outdoor environments, adapting to pupils’ needs
- Build strong, trusting relationships to encourage engagement and participation
Qualifications and Requirements
- Resilient, proactive, and calm individual who can respond to changing situations
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or additional needs
- Confidence in managing behaviour and maintaining consistent boundaries
- Valid UK driving licence and right to work in the UK (no sponsorship or 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
Benefits
- Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
- Free DBS (refunded after 20 days of work)
- Recommendation bonus scheme
- Specialist support/mentoring while working
- Transparent PAYE payroll with holiday pay included
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/SEMH Teaching assistant in Sharpness employer: Five
Five Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, offering free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach and Autism Awareness. With a supportive work culture that values resilience and adaptability, employees are encouraged to build strong relationships with students in a flexible, therapeutic learning environment. Located in the picturesque setting of Sharpness, Gloucestershire, this role provides unique opportunities for personal growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with diverse needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant in Sharpness
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the alternative provision setting in Sharpness and understand their approach to learning. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your relationship-building skills! Since this role involves a lot of 1:1 support, think about how you can connect with students who have SEMH or ASC needs. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trust and engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your adaptability! In an environment where things can change quickly, highlight times when you've had to adjust your approach on the fly. This will demonstrate your resilience and proactive nature, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and working in a supportive environment for students with diverse needs.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant in Sharpness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH and ASC. We want to see how your skills match the needs of our students, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in students' lives, so share why this role speaks to you.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of students with SEMH and ASC. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting these students, as well as the therapeutic approach the school takes. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely prepared to meet the challenges it presents.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role heavily relies on building strong relationships with students, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with children or young people. Highlight any specific techniques you used to engage them, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The job requires someone who can adapt to changing situations. During the interview, provide examples of times when you had to think on your feet or adjust your approach based on a student's needs. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to learning and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
