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- Tasks: Support teachers in delivering education to students with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist school focused on nurturing students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.
- Benefits: Enhanced pension scheme, referral bonuses, fully funded training, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a welcoming team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational or care settings, especially with SEND and complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About Great Oaks College
To support teaching and learning by assisting teachers in delivering education and care to pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. Great Oaks College is a specialist school for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. We offer a nurturing environment with small classes and personalised support, helping students who have faced challenges in mainstream education succeed. Our mission is to build resilience, self‑confidence, and a love for learning, while preparing students for academic success and life beyond school. We cater to students aged 11 to 19, helping them discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and develop skills for future success.
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.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience supporting pupils in an educational or care setting.
- Experience working with pupils with SEND and complex needs.
- Awareness of safeguarding, behaviour management, and SEND principles.
- Ability to support teaching and learning effectively under supervision.
- Patience, empathy, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
Benefits
- Keys Group NEST enhanced pension scheme.
- Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and share a £500 referral bonus.
- 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.
Equal Opportunities & Recruitment
School tours are highly welcomed as part of our interview selection process. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran‑friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.
Safeguarding & DBS
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check. 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.
SEND Teaching Assistant employer: Keys Group
Contact Detail:
Keys Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Great Oaks College and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting their students.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving SEND pupils. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting students with complex needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially with SEND and complex needs. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Great Oaks College, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Specific in Your Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, be specific about how you can contribute to our nurturing environment. Mention any trauma-informed approaches you've used and how you’ve helped students engage and develop independence in their learning.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys Group
✨Know the School's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Great Oaks College's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting students with complex needs and how they build resilience and self-confidence. This will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with pupils who have SEND and complex needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported learning activities or managed behaviour in a similar setting. This will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Adaptability
In this role, patience and empathy are key. Think of instances where you've had to adapt your approach to meet individual needs. Share these stories to highlight your ability to connect with students and support their emotional and behavioural development.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to teaching and support. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.