At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning difficulties, ensuring their safety and engagement in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Hugh Baird College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday allowance, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a supportive and inclusive community.
- Qualifications: Empathy and communication skills are key; NVQ level 2 in Care is desirable.
- Other info: This role is term-time only, perfect for students seeking meaningful work experience.
The predicted salary is between 18800 - 26400 £ per year.
Location
Hugh Baird College ā Thornton Campus
Compensation
Ā£23,632 per year (FullāTime Equivalent, pro rata). Potential boltāon payments for further skills and qualifications.
Application Deadline
29 July 2026
Department
Learner Support
Position Summary
š SEND Teaching & Care Assistant
š Thornton College
š Permanent Term Time Only
š· Ā£23,632 FullāTime Equivalent, pro rata. Plus, potential boltāon payments for further skills and qualifications.
š¼ Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
š Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits.
Role Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated SEND Teaching and Care Assistant to join our team at Thornton College. This role is essential in providing the highest standards of support to our students. You will work collaboratively with tutors and the wider team to foster an environment where every learner can thrive.
Thornton College is a specialist centre within Hugh Baird College, dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities across the Liverpool City Region. Recognised as a Makaton Friendly environment, the college provides a warm, inclusive and highly supportive setting where every learner is treated as an individual.
Working closely with local SEND schools, Thornton College offers tailored learning programmes that focus on developing independence, life skills and employability. With modern facilities, including a training apartment, horticulture room and enrichment spaces, students are empowered to reach their full potential through practical, handsāon learning and personalised support.
Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as the vacancy will close once the right candidate is found.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet and greet students, ensuring their smooth transition on and off transport and maintaining attendance records.
- Assist and escort students with mobility difficulties, facilitating access to all areas of the college and during educational trips.
- Address personal care needs, including hygiene and mobility assistance, in accordance with multidisciplinary team guidance.
- Supervise students during lunchtimes and breaks, ensuring their safety and wellābeing.
- Support learners during scheduled teaching sessions, providing help with educational activities and ensuring progress is tracked using Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
- Participate in planning discussions with class lecturers to adapt support strategies and enhance student engagement and independence.
- Provide first aid and maintain a safe and accessible environment for all students.
- Contribute to the delivery of enrichment sessions, events and trips.
Desirable Criteria
- NVQ Level 2 in Care
- Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award and/or Learning Support Certificate
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students and staff.
- Empathy, sensitivity and ability to develop and sustain rapport with staff and students.
- Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and demands of working with people with differing needs/disabilities/learning difficulties ā specifically those who have autism.
Please see the person specification for the full criteria.
Rewards and Benefits
Generous holiday allowance ā up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.
Flexible working options to provide a better workālife balance.
Medicash health plans to look after you and your family.
Pension scheme ā access to the Teachers\ā or the Local Government Pension schemes.
Professional development ā continual formal and informal opportunities.
Industrial Commercial Updates ā 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation.
Reward and Recognition ā āGet Recognisedā employee reward scheme.
Lifestyle Fitness Gym ā discounted access to a modern onācampus gym.
Health and Wellbeing ā staff groups (yoga, walking, meditation), Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.
Travel ā discounted rail or bus travel, interestāfree season ticket loans, free onācampus parking.
Retail Discounts ā cashback and discounts at wellāknown retailers.
Blue Light Card ā eligibility to apply for exclusive discounts.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SEND Teaching and Care Assistant employer: Hugh Baird College
Contact Detail:
Hugh Baird College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching and Care Assistant
āØTip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEND. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your empathy and suitability for the role during any interviews.
āØTip Number 2
Engage with local SEND communities or forums to gain insights into best practices and current trends in supporting learners with disabilities. This knowledge can be a great talking point in your discussions with the hiring team.
āØTip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with personal care and mobility assistance, as these are key responsibilities in the role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported individuals in similar situations.
āØTip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by being clear and engaging in any interactions with the college staff. Building rapport is crucial in this role, so practice how you would connect with both students and colleagues.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching and Care Assistant
Some tips for your application š«”
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEND Teaching and Care Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with students with special educational needs or disabilities. Mention specific examples where you have demonstrated empathy, communication skills, and the ability to support learners effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include any qualifications or training related to care or education, such as NVQ level 2 in Care or a Learning Support Certificate. Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with students and staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your passion for supporting students with learning difficulties. Discuss why you want to work at Hugh Baird College and how you can contribute to their mission of fostering an inclusive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hugh Baird College
āØShow Your Compassion
As a SEND Teaching and Care Assistant, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities in the past. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role's emotional demands.
āØKnow the College's Values
Familiarise yourself with Hugh Baird College's mission and values. During the interview, reference how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding inclusivity and support for students with diverse needs.
āØPrepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about specific instances where you successfully managed similar challenges and be ready to discuss them.
āØHighlight Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with tutors and other staff. Be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative environments and how you can contribute to a supportive team dynamic at the college.