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- Tasks: Support primary and secondary pupils with diverse additional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Prospero Teaching, a specialist SEN school in Bournemouth.
- Benefits: Competitive pay from £14/hour, free training, and ongoing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification in childcare or relevant SEN experience required.
- Other info: Flexible work options available, with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Prospero Teaching is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants (SSSAs) to join a specialist SEN school in Bournemouth, supporting pupils across primary and secondary age ranges. The school works with children and young people with a wide variety of additional needs, including autism, communication difficulties, learning disabilities, sensory needs, complex needs, and barriers to engaging with learning.
The school is also open to applications from ad-hoc supply staff who are available for day-to-day, short-term, and long-term cover. This offers flexible opportunities for individuals seeking varied work within a highly supportive SEN environment. This is a deeply rewarding role for someone passionate about helping children and young people who benefit from consistent, nurturing, relationship-based support to thrive both emotionally and academically.
Key Responsibilities- Providing tailored support to primary and secondary-aged pupils with learning disabilities, autism, sensory needs, or communication difficulties
- Supporting children and young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or challenges with transitions and routines
- Encouraging engagement through play-based, creative, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities
- Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
- Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, and developing independence
- Building trusting, stable relationships using clear, calm, and consistent communication
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to ensure holistic, child-centred support
- Location: Bournemouth
- Position: Special School Support Assistant (SSSA)
- Start Date: ASAP
- Contract Type: Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways available, plus opportunities for ad-hoc supply staff for day-to-day, short-term, and long-term cover
- Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30
- Pay Rate: From £14 per hour
To be considered, you must:
- Have the Right to Work in the UK
- Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
- Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
- Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, health & social care, or have relevant SEN experience
- Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour management, and de-escalation
- Access to our specialist in-house Training & Development Team
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
- A welcoming SEN school environment with strong staff culture and clear progression opportunities
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEN setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).
Special School Support Assistant - Bournemouth employer: Prospero Teaching
Contact Detail:
Prospero Teaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special School Support Assistant - Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local SEN events or workshops. Not only will you learn more about the field, but you'll also meet potential employers and colleagues. Plus, it shows your commitment to professional development!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities for Special School Support Assistants, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Special School Support Assistant - Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with additional needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in special education or working with children who have SEN. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospero Teaching
✨Know Your SEN Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN). Understand the different types of needs you might encounter, like autism and communication difficulties. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Resilience
During the interview, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and resilience. Think of specific situations where you supported someone through a tough time or helped them overcome challenges. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Engagement Strategies Matter
Prepare to discuss how you would encourage engagement in learning activities. Bring ideas for play-based or creative approaches that could work in a classroom setting. This shows that you’re proactive and ready to contribute positively to the pupils' learning experience.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Be friendly and approachable, and try to build rapport with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at the school and how they support the staff and students. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.
