At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs in core subjects and life skills.
- Company: Nurture Education, a caring community focused on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention bonus, free lunches, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing recruitment with clear paths for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and willingness to learn; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 20224 - 21032 £ per year.
SEN Teaching Assistant – Nurture Education
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.
- As a Teaching Assistant, you will support students in groups of 8–13, organised by ability rather than age.
- Every Teaching Assistant helps students communicate through a multi-sensory approach using Makaton, signs, or symbols.
- Personal Care: 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
- 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.
Sen Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh employer: Nurture Education
At Nurture Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our students. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth through comprehensive training programmes and clear pathways for career advancement, including opportunities to progress to Senior Teaching Assistant and Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles. With competitive salaries, generous benefits like a retention bonus and free meals, and a focus on nurturing both our students and staff, joining our team means becoming part of a compassionate community committed to meaningful education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sen Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Nurture Education and understand their approach to teaching. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with students who have social communication difficulties, being able to express yourself clearly and empathetically is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your compassion! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and resilience. This will demonstrate that you have the right mindset for supporting students with challenging behaviours.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join our team. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Sen Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh
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 genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of our SEN Teaching Assistant role. We’re looking for candidates who understand the unique challenges faced by our students, so be specific about how you can contribute.
Be Honest About Your Skills:You don’t need previous experience, but it’s important to be upfront about your skills and willingness to learn. If you have any relevant skills, like literacy and numeracy, or experience working with children, make sure to mention them. We value honesty and a readiness to grow!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nurture Education
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a SEN Teaching Assistant involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with social communication difficulties and complex learning disabilities. This will help you articulate how your skills and values align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be sure to highlight your empathy and compassion. Share personal experiences or examples where you've demonstrated patience and understanding, especially in challenging situations. This is crucial for a role that focuses on nurturing and supporting students.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a student with challenging behaviour or providing personal care. Being prepared with thoughtful responses will show your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training programme, opportunities for progression, or how the school supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
