At a Glance
- Tasks: Support KS3 students with SEMH and Autism in a caring, engaging environment.
- Company: Wilds Lodge School, a supportive and friendly educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym membership, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE or equivalent; willingness to pursue NVQ Level 3.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to positive outcomes for learners.
The predicted salary is between 19100 - 19700 £ per year.
Wilds Lodge School - Rutland
£23,144 Actual Salary (rising to £23,644 on completion of level 3 NVQ)
Permanent and Term Time Only
Start date: As Soon As Possible
We are excited to offer the opportunity to join our wonderful school and work with our exceptional learners. We are currently recruiting for a SEN Therapeutic Teaching and Residential Assistant to work in a friendly and supportive environment where your input will be key in achieving positive outcomes for young people in our KS3 phase.
The appointed person will support young people in the mornings, in a caring capacity, to assist them to complete their morning routines and prepare them for their school day ahead. Duties include supervising the house group, supporting breakfast, medication handling and attending house meetings. Throughout the day you will support and maintain a high level of learner engagement through collaborative preparation and delivery of an innovative, creative and flexible curriculum using a collaborative and multi-agency holistic approach.
You will be expected to make a real and positive impact to the lives of children who have a range of care needs (SEMH/AHD), life experiences and personalities that makes every day varied and interesting. We deliver a therapeutic education provision which includes attention to health and safety awareness, risk management and the safeguarding of young people. The appointed person will be expected to achieve positive outcomes for all young people by leading by example, providing professionalism at all times and ensuring high levels of commitment, good child care practice and safeguarding to young people.
We are seeking people who thrive on working in a challenging but immensely rewarding environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Experience of working with people with autism is not necessary, but a commitment to learning is.
About Wilds Lodge:
Wilds Lodge School is an independent 38 week specialist boarding and day provision for boys and girls (girls are accepted as day learners only) for learners aged between 5 and 19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, set in Empingham, Rutland. All the learners at the school have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It was established in 2007 and aims to place an equal emphasis on the educational, social and psychological development of our learners. The key to the success of the school is a strong ethos, developed by a highly experienced and capable staff, and the strength of the relationships between the staff and the learners.
We are a friendly school where staff are supportive of each other inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves in ensuring all members of staff including our support staff have access to regular training. All our members of staff attend regular training on child protection; mental health and multi-agency working. All staff access a wide range of training on areas of SEN such as Autism, attachment and ADHD.
Desirable experience/qualifications:
- GCSE/O'level or equivalent
- You will hold or be willing to undertake a funded NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- Experience working with children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (desirable)
- A valid driving licence and business insurance is required
Benefits include:
- Free on site parking
- Free refreshments and meals whilst on duty
- Company events
- Gym membership
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Group life cover 2 x salary from day 1
- Excellent CPD packages, paid induction training and opportunities for part funding of further training including HLTA, Master Degrees and Teacher Training
- Excellent promotion and career progression
- 10 days sick pay | SSP
- 3 days off paid for time off for dependants
- Enhanced paid family friendly leave
- Pension: 3% Employer, 5% Employee
Our learners are incredibly important to us; if you have a caring nature, you're interested in making a real difference and impacting positively on the lives of our learners, we would love to hear from you.
For more information and a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin on the below details:
E:
T: (phone number removed)
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 25th February 2026
Strong applications may be considered upon receipt. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The following is expected of all staff: All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
KS3 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH/Autism) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land KS3 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH/Autism)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Wilds Lodge School and understand their ethos and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can be a game-changer.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios where you've made a positive impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Wilds Lodge School.
We think you need these skills to ace KS3 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH/Autism)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of KS3 SEN Teaching Assistant. Highlight any skills or experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to SEMH and autism support.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a KS3 SEN Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of learners with SEMH and autism. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting their development during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young people who have special educational needs. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show them you’re the right fit for their caring environment.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've supported someone in a challenging environment or helped someone develop social skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and how you can contribute positively to the school.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to SEN education, training opportunities, or team dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.