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- Tasks: Support neurodiverse children in their learning journey and help them achieve their goals.
- Company: Petherton Park School, dedicated to meaningful education for all students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time work, paid holidays, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Small class sizes allow for personalised support and strong connections with pupils.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young learners while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Patience, compassion, resilience, and a driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21504 - 22400 £ per year.
Job Location: Petherton Park School, North Petherton (TA6)
Salary: Between £21,504 and £22,400 per annum, based on working 40 hours per week, term time only (39.2 weeks per year)
Contract Type: Permanent
Every person deserves the right to access meaningful education. Some pupils may require additional assistance in order to access education that is built around their needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work with neurodiverse children and young people (aged between 7 - 16) that have additional needs related to communication and interaction, cognition, and learning, sensory and/or physical. Our curriculum is tailored to each individual child, rather than taking a conventional mainstream approach. Each pupil's learning is based on their own needs, goals, strengths, and aspirations. Whilst some of our pupils will go on to complete formal qualifications, we measure success in other ways too – some pupils may have social and emotional challenges, and working with them to develop transferable life skills is essential for their transition into adulthood.
You’ll get all the training and support you need to make sure our learners have the best experience possible. This school has no more than 4 pupils in each class, so you’ll have the chance to really get to know the pupils you support.
A day in the life of a Teaching Assistant will involve:
- Assisting teaching colleagues in all classroom activities including planning, teaching and assessing learning. Some classes may focus on more traditional subjects like maths or English, whilst others will focus on life skills, such as communication and expressing emotions.
- Working closely with pupils keeping them engaged, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential.
- Working either 1:1 with pupils, or in small group settings to help them achieve their learning goals.
To be a successful Teaching Assistant, you’ll need:
- Patience, compassion, and resilience – All of the pupils you’ll support will be neurodiverse, which may impact their learning behaviour and communication needs.
- Great communication skills – Both verbal and written communication is important in this role as you’ll be speaking to a lot of different people at different times. You’ll also need to be able to update the pupils’ plans and help create learning material.
- A driving licence – Our pupils love to go on trips and to do activities. We need you to be able to drive them to where they need to go. We have the cars; you just need the licence.
- A genuine interest in a career focused on the education of people with a wide range of needs.
In return for your time, you’ll get:
- Holidays – You’ll only work term time, but you’ll get paid 5.6 weeks annual leave as well!
- Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
Teaching Assistant in Somerset employer: Phoenix Learning & Care Group
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Learning & Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to teaching assistants. Think about how you’d handle different situations with neurodiverse pupils and be ready to share your experiences and ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting neurodiverse learners shine through. Share stories that highlight your patience and compassion – it’ll make you stand out!
✨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 are proactive and eager to join our mission of providing meaningful education.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see your passion for supporting neurodiverse children and how you can contribute to their learning journey.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since great communication is key in this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your verbal and written communication abilities in your application. Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've worked with children or in educational settings before, make sure to mention it! We love seeing any experience that shows your patience, compassion, and resilience, especially when working with diverse needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Learning & Care Group
✨Know the Curriculum Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the tailored curriculum that the school uses. Understand how it differs from mainstream approaches and be ready to discuss how you can adapt your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of neurodiverse pupils.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, especially those with additional needs. Highlight your ability to engage and motivate pupils, as well as your experience in updating learning plans and creating materials.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Compassion
Be ready to share specific instances where you've shown patience and resilience in challenging situations. This role requires a genuine interest in supporting pupils with various needs, so convey your passion for making a difference in their lives.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since you'll be assisting teaching colleagues, it's important to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to achieve educational goals, and how you can contribute to a positive classroom environment.