At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs, fostering a nurturing and creative learning environment.
- Company: Join Oakwood School, a growing SEN school in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on staff well-being and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a creative and adventurous work setting.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience with SEMH or Autism, and a driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 25000 £ per year.
Oakwood School is expanding! This is an exciting opportunity to join our wonderful, growing school and work with our exceptional students and staff. At Oakwood, we take enormous pride in allowing our staff the autonomy to develop their own ideas, be creative, look after their mental health and ultimately to succeed, grow and be happy.
Due to increased student numbers, we are excited to be recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join us at Oakwood School in Leicestershire and work with our pupils who experience a range of needs including SEMH. We are lucky to have our school based across two sites in Bagworth and Groby. We are removing the glass ceiling for TAs and are creating opportunities to grow within the role for the right candidate.
The ideal candidate will have experience working within SEN and/or SEMH. You will be able to successfully build trusting student relationships and motivate and encourage pupils by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with tasks as appropriate. The appointed person will establish a supportive and nurturing learning environment in which students with special educational needs make good academic progress and can participate in activities across the school.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative and adventurous individual to join our school. We encourage our staff to take learning beyond the classroom and utilise our 30 acres of ground and woodland to bring learning to life. Due to the nature of our setting, we are able to provide a working experience with children from 8-18 and would tailor the job role to your experience and skills set.
Essential Requirements
- GCSE in English and Maths (Grade C/4+)
- Experience working with young people with additional needs, specifically SEMH and Autism
- Full driving licence
- Access to a car and business insurance (or willing to obtain business insurance)
About Oakwood: Oakwood is a SEN School specialising in the education of SEMH students. Set in 30 acres of grounds and woodland in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, the school has been purpose built to cater for the requirements and needs of the pupils we support and offers fantastic facilities for every child. We are a fairly new school with big ambitions and an ethos of putting every child first.
We support a range of young SEMH pupils from the ages of 8-18 across our two sites based at our Oakwood Community School and our Cedarwood site within Leicester City. At Oakwood, we believe that treating everyone equally and developing a culture of mutual respect is essential to create a bond between staff and pupils and between pupils and their peers. We also uphold those values that help everyone embrace children whose backgrounds involve different faiths, lifestyles, and beliefs.
We have a no blame culture where you are encouraged to be creative. Applications are welcome from colleagues with either mainstream or SEND experience, with appropriate training provided for all staff. We are immensely proud that our staff enjoy their work and enjoy coming to school. We strongly believe that by caring for our staff and providing the right work-life balance, you in turn help to produce a happier environment, with a more productive team and a better connection with our students.
Working Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
- Friday: 8:30am to 3pm
We very much hope you will feel inspired to come and be part of the Oakwood team.
How to apply: For more information on how to apply, arrange a school visit and for a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin.
SEMH / SEN Teaching Assistant in Leicester employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH / SEN Teaching Assistant in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Oakwood School and its ethos. Understanding their values and how they support SEMH students will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they're really looking for in a Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience. Be ready to discuss how you've built trusting relationships with students and how you've supported those with SEMH needs in the past.
✨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 the Oakwood team and ready to contribute to their amazing environment.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH / SEN Teaching Assistant in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with SEMH and SEN students. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight why this role excites you. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to SEMH and Autism. This helps us see how you fit into our Oakwood family.
Be Creative: We value creativity, so don’t hesitate to showcase your innovative ideas on how to engage and support our students. Whether it’s through unique teaching methods or activities, let your imagination shine in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Oakwood School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your SEN/SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health issues. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges these students face and think about how you can support them effectively. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the needs of the pupils.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since Oakwood values creativity, come prepared with ideas on how to engage students beyond traditional methods. Think about activities that utilise the school's 30 acres of grounds and woodland. Presenting innovative ways to make learning fun will definitely catch their attention!
✨Build Rapport During the Interview
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your ability to form trusting relationships with students. This is crucial for a Teaching Assistant role, especially when working with those who have SEMH needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting staff mental health or how they encourage professional development. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of a supportive community.