Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with complex needs through empathy and trauma-informed approaches.
- Company: Compassionate primary school dedicated to student growth and well-being.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team environment, and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; experience with SEND preferred.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on positive relationships and emotional support.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about building relationships with children based on empathy, playfulness, acceptance, and curiosity? We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our team, working with students who have complex SEND needs, including SEMH, Cognition and Learning, ASC, and Attachment Difficulties.
We're looking for an adult who is committed to a trauma-informed approach, seeing beyond the behaviour to support the whole child. You will be a vital part of our school community, modelling the positive behaviour we expect and supporting our students through both academic and emotional challenges.
The Role: What You'll Be Doing
- Relationship Building: Fostering positive relationships with students, consistently using a trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive approach to communication and behaviour regulation.
- Learning Support: Assisting students in accessing learning activities across the curriculum, promoting independence, and encouraging co-operative work.
- Emotional Support: Providing support for children who are in crisis, recording achievement/progress, and supporting the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Provision Maps.
- Wider Teamwork: Working with external agencies (Educational Psychologists, Health and Social Care Professionals), communicating regularly with staff and parents/carers, and contributing to the overall positive ethos of the school.
- Practical Assistance: Preparing and maintaining resources, assisting with the supervision of students during on and off-site activities, and undertaking duties with the Pupil and Family Support Team.
- Care and Safety: Promoting and ensuring the health and safety of pupils, carrying out intimate care and administering medicines to identified individuals (within an agreed safeguarding structure), and, as a last resort, using restrictive physical intervention in line with school policy.
What We're Looking For: Skills & Qualities
This role requires energy, resilience, and a solution-focused attitude, as you will be exposed to high levels of emotional dysregulation and challenging child protection/welfare issues.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- GCSEs (grades A-C) in Maths and English, or equivalent.
- Relevant experience supporting children with complex SEND needs including SEMH, Cognition and Learning, ASC and Attachment Difficulties.
Desirable:
- NVQ Level 3 in Supported Teaching and Learning, or equivalent.
- Experience of working with pupils with SEMH or other SEN in a school or other setting.
The Personal Qualities That Set You Apart:
- Patience, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy with and for the children.
- Resilience, energy, and a solution-focused attitude.
- A strong work ethic, punctuality, and reliability.
- A committed team player with excellent written and oral communication skills.
Why Join Our School?
You will be part of a team that is dedicated to supporting your professional growth through regular training, learning activities, and performance development. We are committed to a compassionate, evidence-based approach to education and care.
Ready to use playfulness, acceptance, and curiosity to change a child's life? To be considered, please contact Hannah:
Call: 01293 527416
Email: hannah.joyner@randstad.co.uk
SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School in Plymouth employer: Randstad Education
Contact Detail:
Randstad Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school’s values and approach. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your experience that highlight your empathy, resilience, and ability to support children with complex needs. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss trauma-informed practices! Brush up on what this means in a classroom setting and be prepared to share how you would apply these principles when working with students who have SEND needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships with students in the past, especially using a trauma-informed approach.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience with complex SEND needs. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your personal qualities like patience and empathy in your application. These traits are crucial for the role and will help us get to know you better.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the principles of a trauma-informed approach. Familiarise yourself with terms like SEMH, ASC, and IEPs. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the needs of the students you'll be supporting.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've built relationships with children in the past. Highlight moments where your empathy and understanding made a difference. This is crucial for a role that focuses on seeing beyond behaviour.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions that may ask how you'd handle emotional crises or challenging behaviours. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that reflect your interest in the school's ethos and approach. Ask about their training opportunities or how they support staff in dealing with emotional dysregulation. This shows you're genuinely invested in being part of their team.
