At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND using Makaton to enhance communication and learning.
- Company: Protocol Education, dedicated to promoting children's welfare and development.
- Benefits: Excellent pay, weekly payments, specialist training, and ongoing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term roles and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping children find their voice every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with Makaton and a background in education or care settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Protocol Education is seeking compassionate and dedicated Makaton Teaching Assistants to work within supportive SEND provisions across South Shields. You’ll play a vital role in helping pupils communicate their needs, emotions, and ideas while supporting their academic and personal development.
Responsibilities
- Support children with SEND, ASC, SEMH, and communication difficulties
- Use Makaton signing and visual communication strategies throughout the school day
- Assist with classroom learning, sensory activities, and emotional regulation
- Build trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle with verbal communication
- Promote engagement, confidence, and independence
Qualifications
- Has practical experience using Makaton
- Has worked in schools, care, support work, or similar settings
- Is resilient, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent
- Can remain calm in challenging situations
- Wants to make a meaningful impact every day
Benefits
- Excellent rates of pay
- Weekly pay through PAYE
- Access to specialist training and CPD
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
- Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles
This is more than a Teaching Assistant role—it’s an opportunity to help children find their voice. Apply now to join our SEND team in South Shields. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. 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’, which 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Makaton SEN Teaching Assistant - South Shields
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Protocol Education Ltd, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Makaton SEN Teaching Assistant - South Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Protocol Education Ltd. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Protocol Education Ltd. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Protocol Education Ltd.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Makaton SEN Teaching Assistant - South Shields role at Protocol Education Ltd, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Protocol Education Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.