Primary SEND Teaching Assistant

Primary SEND Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Philosophy Education, Ltd.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support primary pupils with Autism and complex needs in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Specialist SEND primary school in Lambeth with a supportive team.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy a rewarding career path.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant and confidence in supporting complex needs.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.

A specialist SEND primary school in Lambeth is seeking a dedicated and resilient Primary SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time, temp to perm basis. This is a rewarding opportunity to support primary-aged pupils with Autism and complex needs within a highly supportive and well-established school environment.

The Role

  • You will be working within a small class of 5 primary-aged pupils (KS1 & KS2), all of whom have complex needs and Autism (ASD).
  • The class is supported by 5 adults, providing 1:1 support on a rota basis.
  • You will work with each pupil at different points during the week.
  • Pupils may display challenging behaviour and may require support to de-escalate situations (including physical intervention where necessary).
  • You will support learning, communication, emotional regulation and daily routines.
  • Personal care is an essential part of this role, including supporting with toileting, feeding, and hygiene. This is a shared responsibility between all staff members.
  • You will use a range of specialist strategies and communication methods including PECS, Attention Autism, and structured and sensory-based approaches.

The School

This specialist primary school caters for children aged 2–11 with:

  • Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
  • Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
  • Autism (ASD)
  • Complex medical needs

The school provides a nurturing and well-resourced environment designed to help pupils achieve their full potential. There is a highly experienced and supportive staff team, along with ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Essential Requirements

  • Have previous school experience working as a Teaching Assistant.
  • Have prior experience supporting students with SEND.
  • Be confident supporting pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviour.
  • Be willing to provide personal care as part of your daily responsibilities.
  • Hold a DBS on the Update Service. If you do not have a DBS on the Update Service, you must be willing to apply for one through our agency or have one currently in progress.
  • You must also be able to provide two recent employment references, or one employment reference and one academic reference.

This role would suit an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant or a confident and committed individual with relevant school-based experience who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

Primary SEND Teaching Assistant employer: Philosophy Education, Ltd.

Join a dedicated team at a specialist SEND primary school in the heart of Lambeth, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. Our nurturing work culture prioritises professional development and offers ongoing training, ensuring that you grow alongside your students. With a supportive environment and a focus on collaboration, this role is perfect for those looking to contribute to a rewarding educational experience.
Philosophy Education, Ltd.

Contact Detail:

Philosophy Education, Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Primary SEND Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role, especially around handling challenging behaviour.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let them see your enthusiasm for working with children with complex needs. Share stories that highlight your commitment.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Primary SEND Teaching Assistant

Experience as a Teaching Assistant
Support for students with SEND
Confidence in supporting pupils with complex needs
Ability to manage challenging behaviour
Personal care skills
Knowledge of PECS
Understanding of Attention Autism
Familiarity with structured and sensory-based approaches
Teamwork and collaboration
Communication skills
Resilience
Adaptability
Empathy
Willingness to engage in ongoing training

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with SEND and working in schools. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant experience!

Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about supporting children with complex needs and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it personal and engaging!

Showcase Relevant Skills: Mention any specific strategies or methods you’ve used in the past, like PECS or Attention Autism. We love seeing how you can bring your unique skills to our supportive environment!

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 into our hands quickly and efficiently!

How to prepare for a job interview at Philosophy Education, Ltd.

✨Know Your SEND Strategies

Familiarise yourself with key strategies like PECS and Attention Autism. Be ready to discuss how you've used these methods in past roles or how you would apply them in this position.

✨Showcase Your Resilience

Working with pupils who have complex needs can be challenging. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult situations in the past, especially those involving challenging behaviour, to demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.

✨Highlight Personal Care Experience

Since personal care is a vital part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience in this area. Share specific instances where you've successfully supported students with personal care needs, ensuring you convey your comfort and confidence in doing so.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting SEND pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission effectively.

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