At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs in literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
- Company: Nurture Education, a compassionate community focused on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention bonus, free lunches, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Ongoing training and clear progression to Senior Teaching Assistant and HLTA roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and basic literacy/numeracy skills required; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 20224 - 21032 £ per year.
Make a Difference Every Day
Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career? We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing education team. As a Teaching Assistant at our site, you will have the chance to be part of a truly special community focused on nurture and growth.
What the Role Involves
A Teaching Assistant role here is very different from a mainstream position. You will be working with students aged 5–19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and often challenging behaviours.
- Teaching Assistant duties include supporting core subjects like literacy, numeracy, and PSHE.
- The Teaching Assistant helps students access therapy-based education and develop essential life skills.
- You will support students in groups of 8–13, organized by ability rather than age.
- Every Teaching Assistant helps students communicate through a multi-sensory approach using Makaton, signs, or symbols.
- Some students require personal care, and you must be prepared to provide this assistance to ensure they stay clean and comfortable. Full training for these tasks will be provided.
Training and Progression
At our school, learning never stops for our staff. All Teaching Assistants take part in a twice-weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification, which is fully funded. After two years and completing your apprenticeship, you can progress to the role of Senior Teaching Assistant. Further career growth is available through Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles.
Salary and Benefits
Teaching Assistant salary: £20,224 – £21,032 (pro rata for term time). Senior Teaching Assistant salary: Rising up to £23,999 (£27,981 FTE). Qualified HLTA salary: Up to £27,715 (£32,313 FTE).
Benefits for every Teaching Assistant include a £1,000 retention bonus, a free hot lunch during term-time, and free on-site parking.
What You'll Bring
You don't need previous experience to apply as a Teaching Assistant—we provide all the training you need. What matters most is your empathy, compassion, and resilience. You will also need:
- The literacy and numeracy skills required to support student learning as a Teaching Assistant.
- The willingness to provide personal care for students who require it.
- Patience and calm under pressure when supporting young people with challenging behaviours.
Working Hours: 36 hours per week. Recruitment for the Teaching Assistant position is ongoing.
Locations
SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey employer: Nurture Education
Contact Detail:
Nurture Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local job fairs, and join online groups. We can help you find opportunities that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios with students. We suggest role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and resilience. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who want to join our nurturing community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping students shine through. We want to see your empathy and dedication to making a difference in their lives. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to education and support.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your skills in literacy and numeracy, and mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with students who have special educational needs.
Be Honest About Your Skills: You don’t need previous experience, but be upfront about your current skills and willingness to learn. If you’re ready to provide personal care and support students with challenging behaviours, let us know! Honesty goes a long way in showing your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nurture Education
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, make sure to highlight your empathy and compassion. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with students who have special needs. This will show that you understand the importance of nurturing and supporting their growth.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a SEN Teaching Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how you would support literacy, numeracy, and PSHE, as well as how you would use multi-sensory approaches like Makaton. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re ready to dive in and make a difference.
✨Prepare for Personal Care Questions
Since personal care is part of the role, be ready to discuss your comfort level with this aspect. You might not have experience yet, but express your willingness to learn and adapt. Mention that you understand the importance of keeping students clean and comfortable, which is crucial for their well-being.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Resilience
Expect questions about handling challenging behaviours. Prepare examples of how you've remained calm under pressure in past situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you possess the patience and resilience needed to support students effectively, especially when things get tough.