SEND Teaching Assistant - Barrow School in Chester

At Barrow School, every interaction matters. We are looking for a caring, dedicated, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our specialist team, supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to learn, develop, and thrive.

This is an opportunity to be part of a nurturing and ambitious school where relationships are at the heart of everything we do. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve meaningful outcomes both in and beyond the classroom. Our Barrow School is set within a beautiful 84-acre site in rural Cheshire, providing up to 20 places for students aged 7 to 19. The school is an incredible place for children with complex needs arising from autism, behavioural and learning difficulties to thrive, learn new skills, grow in confidence, and make new friends. Our dedicated staff provide first class support, working in partnership with education, health, care and therapy teams. We value strong relationships with parents, carers and funders, ensuring every iMap student reaches their optimum level of achievement.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must have existing eligibility to work in the UK.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils throughout the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with their learning, communication, social, emotional, and personal development.
• Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging and inclusive learning activities.
• Providing individual and small-group support to pupils in line with their individual needs and learning plans.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils to promote engagement and achievement.
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-esteem.
• Supporting the implementation of behaviour support strategies and therapeutic approaches.
• Assisting with recording pupil progress and contributing to reviews and planning discussions.
• Supporting pupils during educational visits, enrichment activities, and community-based learning opportunities.
• Helping to maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and external professionals

Our most successful Teaching Assistants are people who:

• Believe every child can succeed with the right support.
• Stay calm, patient, and adaptable in challenging situations.
• Celebrate small achievements and recognise the importance of incremental progress.
• Build strong and positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues.
• Are enthusiastic about learning and developing their own skills and knowledge.
• Take pride in making a meaningful difference every day.

Essential

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, care, youth work, or support setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, resilience, and a positive approach to supporting behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.

Desirable

• Experience working within a SEND setting.
• Knowledge of autism, ADHD, communication difficulties, SEMH needs, or learning disabilities.
• Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or Level 3).
• Experience supporting pupils using alternative communication methods, visual supports, or sensory strategies.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.