At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEND pupils in a sensory-friendly environment, helping them thrive through tailored learning activities.
- Company: Join The Learning Partnership, a committed and inclusive educational organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, free parking, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience working with SEND pupils and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
The Learning Partnership, together with the Principal, is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. We are looking for a skilled candidate who is committed to our vision and values, reliable, resilient, and passionate about helping our pupils in the Orchard thrive. The successful applicant will have key experience working with SEND pupils.
Responsibilities
- Support pupils with EHCPs to access learning through visual symbols, structured routines, and differentiated activities, fostering pro‑social communication and behaviour.
- Implement programmes focused on speech, language and communication, social communication, emotional and sensory regulation, and life‑skills, guided by teachers and external professionals (e.g. speech therapists, educational psychologists).
- Contribute to daily Sensory Circuit activities and small‑group/1:1 interventions, maintaining a calm, safe environment.
- Help assess and record progress using the Cherry Garden and AET frameworks; provide feedback for pupils’ SEN School Support Plans each term.
- Work closely with families, modelling strategies that can be supported at home to aid consistency and generalisation.
About the Orchard
The Orchard is Leighton Academy’s specialist 20‑place SEN Unit (Year 1–Year 6) for pupils whose primary needs are Cognition & Learning and Speech, Language & Communication, as identified on their EHCP. Children learn and play in a dedicated, sensory‑friendly area of the school with highly structured routines, visual supports, and a calm, happy environment designed for engagement and success.
Benefits
- Discounts in retail stores, entertainment, and supermarkets.
- Benefits schemes in affordable tech, cycle2work, gym memberships, and a car scheme.
- Employee assistance programme providing specialist advice and guidance, including up to eight counselling sessions per referral.
- Flexible working offered as a day‑first right of employment.
- Free parking.
- Access to high quality CPD and secondment opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
The Learning Partnership is a disability‑committed employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced checks with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), and appropriate online searches in line with the requirements in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023). The Trust is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the elimination of discrimination; all applicants will be considered on the basis of suitability regardless of disability, gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation and marital status or any other discrimination which is unfair or unreasonable. We especially welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we want to increase the representation of these groups at The Learning Partnership.
SEN Teaching Assistant in The Orchard in Crewe employer: Leighton Academy
The Learning Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a SEN Teaching Assistant in The Orchard, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to high-quality continuous professional development, and a range of employee benefits including discounts and an employee assistance programme. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in The Orchard in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The Orchard or similar schools. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in a SEN Teaching Assistant and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with the team, share your experiences working with SEND pupils. We want to see that fire in your belly for helping kids thrive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the Cherry Garden and AET frameworks. Knowing how to assess and record progress will impress us and show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in The Orchard in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your experience working with SEND pupils and how you can contribute to the Orchard's vision.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils shine through in your written application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping children thrive, especially those with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and how they fit the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leighton Academy
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the specific needs of pupils with EHCPs. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting communication, emotional regulation, and life skills. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with SEND pupils. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented programmes or strategies that helped students thrive. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaborating with teachers and external professionals. Highlight how you can contribute to a calm and safe environment, and be ready to discuss how you would work closely with families to support their children’s learning at home.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about The Orchard and its approach to supporting pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about the daily routines, sensory activities, or how success is measured for pupils.
