At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with additional needs.
- Company: Cold Harbour Church of England School, committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community that values trust, respect, and resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Cold Harbour Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff must work within school policies and procedures, including safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety. This post is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, medical clearance, evidence of qualifications, and verification of the right to work in the UK.
Vision Statement
The School’s Christian Vision Statement “Let your light shine” is our central vision. Everyone is encouraged to shine through living out our values of trust, honesty, thankfulness, respect and resilience, enabling us to grow, learn and achieve together.
Purpose of the Role
The Specialist Teaching Assistant plays a key role in supporting high-quality teaching and learning across the school, with a particular focus on pupils with additional needs. Working under the professional direction of a qualified teacher, the postholder delivers adapted learning activities, provides specialist SEN support, and contributes to the wider ethos and smooth running of the school.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Deliver learning activities for individuals and groups under the direction and supervision of a teacher.
- Adapt and differentiate learning programmes to meet the needs of allocated pupils.
- Select, prepare and adapt resources to support learning.
- Promote pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing and report concerns appropriately.
- Provide specialist support in learning, behavioural, communication, social, sensory and physical needs.
- Monitor, record and report on pupil development, progress and attainment as agreed with the teacher.
- Identify barriers to learning and share observations to support planning.
- Provide short term cover supervision of classes when required.
- Support individual programmes relating to social, emotional or physical development.
- Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and values of the school.
- Attend meetings, training and performance development activities.
- Maintain awareness of school safeguarding and security procedures at all times.
- Participate in safeguarding updates and professional development sessions, occasionally outside standard working hours.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, with a commitment to promoting pupil welfare.
- Experience supporting pupils with additional needs.
- Experience adapting learning programmes to meet individual needs.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and kindly with pupils and staff.
- First aid training (or willingness to undertake training as required).
Person Specification
- Ability to plan and implement learning programmes alongside the class teacher.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff.
- Ability to promote inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.
- Confidence in using initiative and adapting learning activities to suit individual pupils.
- Ability to work independently and manage a classroom when required.
- Understanding of safeguarding, health and safety and child protection procedures.
- Awareness of opportunities for professional development and willingness to engage in further training.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility for pupil safety and supervision.
Safe Working Practices
All staff must uphold Cold Harbour’s ethos and commitment to safe working practices for adults working with children. Staff should model positive behaviour and promote a harmonious, inclusive environment.
General Data Protection Regulations
The postholder must comply with GDPR and related data protection legislation. Confidentiality in handling personal data is essential.
Equality and Diversity
The postholder must promote equality and diversity in all aspects of their role and treat all individuals fairly and without discrimination.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in line with school policy.
Health and Safety
Responsibilities must be carried out with due regard to school policy and statutory health and safety requirements.
Flexibility
This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties within their skillset and grade, as reasonably instructed.
SEN Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/CHCES/64917 in Bletchley employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
Contact Detail:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/CHCES/64917 in Bletchley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Cold Harbour Church of England School, its values, and its approach to teaching. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a SEN Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in supporting pupils with additional needs. Be ready to discuss how you adapt learning activities and promote inclusion.
✨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 SEN Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/CHCES/64917 in Bletchley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your experience with additional needs and how you can contribute to the school's ethos of trust, honesty, and respect.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Talk about your ability to adapt learning programmes and support pupils' social and emotional wellbeing, as these are key aspects of the role.
Be Genuine: Let your personality shine through in your application! We want to see your passion for supporting children and your commitment to safeguarding their welfare. Authenticity goes a long way in making a strong impression.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This ensures it reaches us directly and allows you to follow any specific instructions we’ve laid out for applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a SEN Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with additional needs and how to adapt learning activities accordingly. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re genuinely prepared to make a difference.
✨Show Your Passion for Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a top priority for the school, be ready to discuss your understanding of child protection procedures. Share any relevant experiences where you've promoted pupil welfare or dealt with sensitive situations. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe environment for children.
✨Bring Examples of Adaptation
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've adapted learning programmes in the past. Whether it’s modifying resources or tailoring activities to meet individual needs, concrete examples will highlight your ability to think on your feet and cater to diverse learning styles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll be working closely with teachers and other staff. Be ready to talk about your interpersonal skills and how you build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, as this aligns with the school's ethos of collaboration.