At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in their learning and emotional growth while creating a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join The Mulberry Bush School, a caring community dedicated to helping children thrive.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50 days holiday, competitive salary, and well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and be part of a supportive family-like team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a passion for making an impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development through a Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About the role
Are you keen to start a new chapter in your career? Why not join The Mulberry Bush School, as a Teaching Assistant, where you will play a key role in enriching the lives of children affected by trauma and help them create a new narrative. You will work in our small residential primary school (approx. 30 children in the school, with a maximum of 8 per classroom) as a part of the education team, reporting to a classroom teacher. You will provide educational, emotional and practical support to individual children and small groups of children. Due to the children\’s past experiences many of the children display negative behaviours. As a member of the educational team, you will help provide the children with ways of re‑defining themselves and their personalities through positive experiences, focussing on their strengths, understanding their regressive tendencies and providing nurture when needed.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the classroom teacher to support the children with their learning tasks to maximise their progress.
- Support children with independence, confidence and social integration.
- Work with the teacher to prepare for lessons, getting involved in team meetings and training.
- Help maintain a well‑organised and stimulating classroom environment.
- Identify issues of concern regarding children\’s behaviour and provide feedback to the teacher and treatment team.
- Supervise children during the school day, including physically intervening to support a child when required.
- Provide basic childcare, including first aid and hygiene support.
- Be willing to undertake The Mulberry Bush Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People.
What we’re looking for
You\’re a resilient, empathetic individual with a deep commitment to making a positive impact. You enjoy hands‑on activities and can draw on your life experiences to provide valuable guidance and support to help our children thrive.
Qualifications
- Experience of working or caring for school‑age children.
- Effective communication with children and colleagues.
- Good organisation and time‑management skills.
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
- Remain calm and in control under pressure.
- The legal right to live and work in the UK.
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 50 days holiday per year (to be taken during The Mulberry Bush School holidays)
- A comprehensive range of informal and formal well‑being support
- Employer contribution pension of 6%
- Enhanced parental leave benefits
- Subsidised meals
Additional Information
The Mulberry Bush is a therapeutic community, registered as a children\’s home and a non‑maintained residential special school. We also provide therapeutic outreach services to schools and other community‑based organisations, along with research and consultancy services. Since 1948, we\’ve been helping children and those around them through specialist therapeutic services and fulfilling activities.
We\’re not just part of a team; we\’re part of a family. Support echoes through every part of our community, and your colleagues are always here to lend a hand or share a smile.
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Teaching Assistant employer: Mulberry
Contact Detail:
Mulberry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Mulberry Bush School and understand its values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experiences align with the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our family at The Mulberry Bush School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Teaching Assistant at The Mulberry Bush School. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our family at The Mulberry Bush School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mulberry
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant at The Mulberry Bush School. Familiarise yourself with how you can support children affected by trauma and think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide emotional and practical support.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your empathetic nature and resilience. Share stories that illustrate how you've positively impacted children's lives in challenging situations. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about handling difficult behaviours. Think of scenarios where you successfully managed challenging situations with children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to therapeutic work and team dynamics. 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.