SEN Teaching Assistant
Hays About the role
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. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, we would love to hear from you!
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 relating to mental health, trauma and anxiety. We are lucky to have our school based across two sites in Bagworth and Groby. Staff may be required to work at either site (to be discussed/confirmed at interview).
The ideal candidate will have experience working within SEN. 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 SEN 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 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 (and everyone really does go home on time!):
- 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. If you're interested in making a real difference and impacting positively on the lives of our students, we would love to hear from you. We encourage you to visit us to see for yourself the opportunities we can provide.
How to apply: For more information on how to apply, arrange a school visit and for a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin on the below details:
E: T: Closing date for applications: ASAP and by 9am Monday 10th August 2026. Strong applications may be considered upon receipt.
Your tasks
Support students with special educational needs and create a nurturing learning environment.
Your profile
GCSEs in English and Maths, experience with SEN, and a driving licence.
What's also included
Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
Tech stack & ways of working
SEN Teaching Assistant employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a creative work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hays.
Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hays!
Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hays, will notice your enthusiasm!
Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hays or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work
In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications
Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients
Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hays
Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hays! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
