At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young adults with special needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join a fantastic SEND school in Cambridge dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32.5 hours per week, free training, and potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with passionate colleagues in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or personal experience with SEND is essential.
- Other info: This is a temporary position with opportunities for growth as the school expands.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a difference? Are you passionate about working with children or vulnerable adults with special needs? Do you have a social care background? Or even had personal experience supporting SEND?
A fantastic SEND school in Cambridge is expanding again this year, which means we are currently looking to fill 10-12 TA vacancies. We are looking for TAs to work within the school, the link and the new 6th form, and we will play to your strengths on where would be best fit for you!
The school has 127 students who range from 4-16 years. The majority of these students have ASD, are non-verbal and tend to communicate physically. They also have students with high medical needs across the school; the nursing team will provide any training needed to support these students.
The Link is a growing setting which works with secondary school pupils who are able to access mainstream education with additional support. There will be 15 students in September 2025. Their core lessons are based in The Link building and 40% of the curriculum is delivered alongside their peers in mainstream classes. We need TAs who are innovative, independent and happy to work using their own initiative to help build the team at the link as it grows.
The 6th Form is opening in September. At present they have 11 students starting there in September 2025. The students here are unable to attend all other local post 16 settings due to their high level of need. These students have significant needs and communication barriers. We need TAs who are able to be very calm, intuitive and patient to support these students. Support with personal care will be required by these students. As the team is new, you will also play a crucial role in setting up the systems and resources needed at the 6th form to build a solid foundation and team for its growth.
We need staff who are available to work 32.5 hours per week Mon-Fri so there is consistent support for the children. All staff work to inspire, motivate, challenge and support each pupil, no matter what their individual needs may be. A friendly and positive approach to teaching and learning, as well as the ability to quickly build up strong relationships and rapport with individual children is important.
If you have a real passion for supporting children with special needs and think this role sounds right for you then please apply now!
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
LSA/TA/SEND Support/Support worker/Care assistant employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LSA/TA/SEND Support/Support worker/Care assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with ASD and other special educational needs. Understanding their communication styles and behaviours will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant personal experiences or volunteer work that showcases your ability to support individuals with special needs. This can set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would approach building relationships with students who have communication barriers. Think about strategies you could use to engage them and foster a supportive learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your flexibility and willingness to adapt to new situations, especially since the school is expanding and evolving. Show that you are proactive and can contribute to setting up systems and resources in the new 6th form.
We think you need these skills to ace LSA/TA/SEND Support/Support worker/Care assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the LSA/TA/SEND Support Worker role. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with these needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have a background in social care or personal experience supporting individuals with special needs, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to support children or vulnerable adults effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention key skills such as patience, intuition, and the ability to build strong relationships with students. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles or situations to support individuals with special needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your passion for working with children or vulnerable adults. Explain why you are interested in this particular role and how you can contribute to the school's mission and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Support Work
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children or vulnerable adults with special needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Calmness
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to showcase your ability to remain calm and patient, especially when dealing with students who have significant needs. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be part of a growing team, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Discuss how you've contributed to team dynamics in previous roles and how you can help build a supportive environment in the new 6th form setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to supporting students with special needs. Think about specific situations you might encounter and how you would handle them effectively.