At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with Special Education Needs in a fun and engaging way.
- Company: Five Education, dedicated to promoting the welfare of children.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS refund, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent mentoring and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a positive mindset; experience in youth work is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Five Education are recruiting a Teaching Assistant for a special school in Chippenham. The role is to support identified pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) and/or mental health challenges. This work will be supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups.
Responsibilities
- Supporting students both 1:1 and in small groups by making the curriculum accessible and fun
- Always ensuring the safety and well-being of students, including at break and lunch times
- Helping students to develop social skills and self-regulation skills
- Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCo and other staff members to address the individual needs of students
Who We’re Looking For
- Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in challenging situations
- Strong communicator with a positive and proactive mindset
- Able to build rapport with young people, particularly those who may struggle to trust adults
- Previous experience isn’t essential, but backgrounds in youth work, care, mental health, sport, or support work are valuable
Essential Requirements
- Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer sponsorship or accept skilled-worker visas
- Full-time availability (Monday to Friday 8:30-3:30)
- 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
- 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 Can 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
Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to undergo reference checks, TRA checks, and may need a DBS; an interview will also be part of the process. 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) employer: Five
Contact Detail:
Five Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching assistant (SEND)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a teaching assistant role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how you’d support students with SEN and mental health challenges. Show us your passion for making learning accessible and fun!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that teaching assistant gig. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching assistant (SEND)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant for SEND. We want to see how you can make the curriculum accessible and fun for our students!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a strong communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and positive language to convey your thoughts, and don’t forget to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to build rapport with young people.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct experience in education, share any backgrounds in youth work, care, or support roles. We value diverse experiences that can contribute to the well-being and development of our students.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey with Five Education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Know Your SEN Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Understand the different types of needs and how they can affect learning. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to support students effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a teaching assistant, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with young people or worked in challenging situations. This will help demonstrate your ability to build rapport and trust with students.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a student who is struggling emotionally. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have direct experience as a teaching assistant, think about any relevant roles you’ve had in youth work, care, or sports. Be prepared to discuss how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed for this position.