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- Tasks: Support students with learning difficulties in a 1:1 setting, using Makaton for communication.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college dedicated to student progress.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and wellbeing support including private healthcare.
- Other info: Join us in a dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and experience in special education, especially with autism and complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 26195 - 27784 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college which provides further educational opportunities to students aged 19-25 with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have other needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autism. We run three Pathways: Vocational, Life and Living and Engagement for Life. In January 2025 we are relocating 2 sites to our new main college building in Sunbury-on-Thames (Surrey).
The Life and Living Pathway is located at the Triangle in Hounslow, Engagement for Life is located in the Oaklands school (until December 2025) and Vocational Department is located at the Staines Rugby Club (until December 2025).
We are looking to employ a 1:1 Teaching Assistant to our team. We are interested to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and have worked in a special college or specialist school before. You will have previous experience and be familiar with using Makaton signing and symbols for communication and essentially have experience of working with students with autism and complex needs. We believe that all of our students are capable of making outstanding progress and we want to appoint individuals who share our beliefs.
Great Oaks College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and anyone applying to work at the College is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with adult barring and references being received. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of a twenty-six working week probation period.
We value our employees and offer a supportive and engaging environment, comprehensive induction, inset and excellent continuous professional development training sessions, Teachers Pension scheme access to staff discounts, and other wellbeing benefits:
- An employee assistance programme
- Access to Private Doctors and Nurses 24/7 free of charge
Please ensure that you explain clearly in your application how you meet the person specification.
Closing Date: Monday, 10.11.2025 at 9am
Start Date: December 2025 or January 2026 depending on the compliance checks.
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Pay Scale: Inner London Pay Scale 6, point 16 to 20 £34,779 to 36,888 per annum pro rata
Actual Salary: £26,195 to £27,784 per annum, depending on the experience.
Hours of work: 31.25 hours per week (excluding 45 min breaks), 08:30 – 15:30. (Monday to Friday). Due to the college’s opening hours, we are unable to offer flexibility in the hours of work.
Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1 employer: Greatoakscollege
Contact Detail:
Greatoakscollege Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider info about Great Oaks College.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with Makaton and working with students with autism. Make it clear that you’re passionate about helping students thrive.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Great Oaks College and its values. Be ready to discuss how your beliefs align with theirs, especially regarding the progress of students with complex needs.
✨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 seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with students with complex needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially if you've worked in a specialist college or school before. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Great Oaks College.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see how you meet the person specification without wading through unnecessary details.
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 Greatoakscollege
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the college's ethos and the specific needs of the students. Brush up on Makaton signing and symbols, as well as any relevant teaching strategies for students with autism and complex needs. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Share Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in special education settings. Think of specific examples where you made a difference in a student’s learning journey. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their mission of supporting students with diverse needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the college and its programmes. Ask about the Life and Living Pathway or how they support staff development. This demonstrates that you’re engaged and eager to be part of their community.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a priority, be ready to discuss how you would ensure the welfare of students. Share any relevant training or experiences you have in this area. This will highlight your understanding of the responsibilities that come with the role.