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- Tasks: Support children with complex needs through creative and sensory-based learning.
- Company: GSL Education, a supportive specialist SEN school in Darlington.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, additional training, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help children thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, patience, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Potential for permanent roles and a consultant to guide your journey.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 23000 £ per year.
Location: Darlington
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (Term Time Only)
Start Date: Immediate
Pay Rate: £95 – £115 per day (depending on experience)
GSL Education are currently recruiting dedicated, resilient, and Creative Teaching Assistants to work in a specialist SEN school in Darlington. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in education, care, or support settings who are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children with complex needs. The school supports pupils with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, and behaviours that challenge. A calm, patient, and consistent approach is essential. For the right candidates, there is potential for these roles to become permanent.
The Role
As a Creative Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both academically and emotionally through structured routines, sensory-based learning, and creative approaches such as messy play and hands-on activities. Some pupils may display behaviours that challenge as a form of communication. You will respond using positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and a trauma-informed approach, working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to follow individual education and behaviour plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and complex needs
- Supporting pupils with behaviours that challenge, including emotional regulation and transitions
- Using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
- Supporting sensory-based learning, including messy play and tactile activities
- Encouraging engagement through creative play, movement, and exploratory learning
- Supporting communication using verbal and non-verbal methods, visual timetables, and symbols
- Supporting personal care when required, including toileting and hygiene
- Promoting independence, confidence, and positive social interactions
- Observing, recording, and reporting progress and behaviour
- Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff
- Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs
- Experience working with behaviours that challenge
- A patient, calm, and resilient approach
- Understanding of person-centred care and positive behaviour support
- Confidence delivering sensory activities and messy play
- Willingness to support personal care when required
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Experience working in a specialist SEN school, SEMH setting, or PRU
- Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions
- Experience using Makaton, PECS, or visual communication systems
- Behaviour management training (Team Teach, MAPA)
- Background in care, youth work, psychology, or early years
Why Apply?
- Competitive daily pay based on experience
- Supportive and specialist school environment
- Opportunity to make a genuine, positive impact on children with complex needs
- A consultant to support you on your journey
- Additional training courses
Apply today or email to discuss this role and other available opportunities.
Creative Teaching Assistants in Darlington employer: GSL Education
Contact Detail:
GSL Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Teaching Assistants in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with complex needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Bring examples of sensory activities or creative play ideas to your interview. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and passion for engaging with pupils.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for roles that match your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Teaching Assistants in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with complex needs shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in education or care settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of a Creative Teaching Assistant, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GSL Education
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by children with autism and other complex needs. Familiarise yourself with strategies like positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques, as these will likely come up in your interview.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Creative Teaching Assistant, your ability to engage pupils through creative play is key. Prepare examples of how you've used hands-on activities or sensory-based learning in the past. Think about specific instances where your creativity made a difference in a child's learning experience.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Resilience
The role requires a calm and patient approach, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours. Be ready to share stories that highlight your resilience and how you've successfully managed difficult situations in the past. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting pupils with SEN, their training opportunities, or how they foster teamwork among staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
