At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND in a nurturing primary school environment.
- Company: Well-resourced primary school in Taunton focused on inclusion.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS reimbursement, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Flexible hours, excellent career growth, and a welcoming community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a compassionate approach required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to work in the SEND base of our well-resourced primary school in Taunton, supporting students with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. You will play a key role in helping students access the curriculum, participate fully in school life, and thrive socially and emotionally in a supportive learning environment.
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.
- Assist students with physical or personal care needs, always promoting dignity and independence.
- Supervise students during break and lunch, ensuring their wellbeing and inclusion throughout the school day.
- Record and report on students' progress, behaviour and any concerns, contributing to reviews and support planning.
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
- Full-time availability from 8:30 to 3:30 Monday to Friday.
- Right to work in the UK – must be able to work without sponsorship.
- Ability 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.
- 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 Five Education Offers
- Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness and more.
- Free DBS reimbursement after 20 days of work.
- Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
- Specialist support and 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 an admin fee or employer's NI. Please note the pay rate 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. Successful applicants will be required to undergo reference checks, TRA checks and 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 assistant (SEND) in Taunton employer: Five
Contact Detail:
Five Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching assistant (SEND) in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, 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 the interview by researching common questions for teaching assistants. Think about how your experience aligns with supporting students with Autism and ADHD, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, express your commitment to promoting inclusion and wellbeing. Share stories that highlight your empathetic approach and how you've made a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely excited about making a positive impact in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching assistant (SEND) in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with SEND shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with Autism, ADHD, and other relevant areas to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autism, ADHD, and other specific needs mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss strategies for supporting these students will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples of how you've supported students with diverse needs in the past. Highlight your patience and empathy, as these qualities are crucial for a Teaching Assistant working in a SEND environment.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other staff. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully implemented strategies in a team setting to support student engagement and progress.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the school's approach to SEND and how they support their staff. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.