SEND Teaching Assistant in Colchester

Purpose of the Role

To support the effective implementation of SEND provision across the school by removing barriers to learning, enabling pupils to access the curriculum and supporting them to make meaningful progress. The SEND Assistant supports the SENDCO in ensuring that provision for all pupils is consistently applied, appropriately adapted and aligned to individual needs within class. This includes supporting the use of pupil passports within classroom practice, embedding environmental adjustments and zoning, and working alongside the Clinical Team to implement strategies informed by Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy guidance. The role works collaboratively with the SENDCo, teaching staff, pastoral team and Clinical Team to deliver coordinated support, including supporting staff to consistently implement strategies, ensuring pupils are able to engage in learning and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist pupils with learning activities, adapting support to individual needs under teacher guidance
• Support pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural development using trauma-informed approaches
• Help manage behaviour in line with the school’s behaviour policy and Staff Code of Conduct
• Encourage pupil engagement and independence in learning tasks
• Assist with classroom organisation and preparation of resources
• Support record-keeping and monitoring of pupil progress as directed
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and orderly learning environment

Requirements

• A committed and passionate view of students with SEND
• At least two years’ experience minimum of working in a SEND environment or similar unit/provision
• A level 3 TA qualification is advantageous

Benefits of Joining Keys

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check. More can be found about Keys and our Therapeutic Education Services here. School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process. Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.