At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with their learning and personal development in a caring environment.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school focused on emotional and mental health needs.
- Benefits: Full training, funded qualifications, health cash back plan, and employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English; compassion and creativity are key.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and ongoing support.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Teaching Assistant (SEMH School) Location: Berkeley, Gloucestershire
Protocol Education is working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in Berkeley to recruit a Teaching Assistant to support young people aged 11–16.
About the school
The school supports pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and brings together the best elements of both mainstream and specialist education. The focus is on preparing young people for life beyond school, with further education, employability and independence at the heart of the school’s ethos. It’s a setting where relationships matter, consistency is key and every young person is supported to achieve their own goals.
The role
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll support pupils with their learning, wellbeing and personal development, helping to create a caring, safe and structured environment where they can thrive. You’ll work closely with teachers and other professionals to support learning, behaviour and emotional regulation. At times, this may include personal care support and positive behaviour strategies, always using a tailored, pupil-centred approach.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Building warm, trusting and supportive relationships with pupils
- Helping pupils feel safe, settled and ready to learn
- Promoting independence, confidence and personal development
- Supporting the delivery of a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum
- Supporting the Class Teacher with the day-to-day running of the classroom
- Responding flexibly to the changing needs of the school
- Supporting pupils’ cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural and physical development
- Working collaboratively as part of a multi-professional team
- Completing documentation relating to behaviour, wellbeing or incidents when required
This is a varied role where no two days look the same, ideal for someone who enjoys working hands-on and making a real difference.
What we’re looking for
Previous experience isn’t essential. What matters most is your ability to build trusted, professional relationships with young people. You’ll need:
- GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)
- An understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- A child-first, compassionate approach
- Creativity, positivity and resilience
- A genuine commitment to supporting young people as individuals
What’s on offer
- Full training and continued support
- Funded opportunities to gain further qualifications
- Life assurance and enhanced pension scheme
- Health Cash Back Plan
- Car lease and cycle to work schemes
- Perkbox discounts and benefits
- Free on-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
Applying through Protocol Education
When you apply via Protocol Education, you’ll benefit from:
- A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout the process
- Honest insight into the school and role
- Interview preparation and ongoing support
- Access to free CPD and training opportunities
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches. 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 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.
SEN Teaching Assistant (Specialist SEN School) in Berkeley employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant (Specialist SEN School) in Berkeley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research the SEMH school in Berkeley and understand their approach to supporting young people. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since building relationships is key in this role, think of examples from your past where you've successfully connected with others. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to support pupils effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Think about how you can engage students with different learning styles. Prepare some ideas or activities that could help promote independence and confidence among the pupils, and be ready to discuss them in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We at StudySmarter want to make sure you have the best chance of landing this role. By applying directly, you'll get access to dedicated support and resources that can help you shine during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant (Specialist SEN School) in Berkeley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting young people and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences or skills that relate to building relationships with young people and supporting their emotional and social needs.
Show Your Commitment: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to helping young people thrive. Share any relevant experiences or training that demonstrate your dedication to personal development and creating a safe learning environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the school's ethos and values. They focus on preparing young people for life beyond school, so think about how you can contribute to that mission. Be ready to discuss how you can support pupils' independence and personal development.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since building warm, trusting relationships with pupils is key, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully connected with young people in the past. Share specific instances where your approach made a difference in their learning or emotional wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
The role requires responding flexibly to changing needs, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted your approach in previous roles. Think of creative strategies you've used to engage students or manage behaviour, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding and child protection procedures, as this is crucial in any educational setting. Be prepared to discuss why safeguarding is important and how you would ensure a safe environment for the pupils you support.