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.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on positive relationships and emotional support.
- 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.
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
Join our compassionate school community as a SEN Teaching Assistant, where your dedication to trauma-informed education will be valued and nurtured. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through regular training and collaborative learning opportunities, ensuring you grow alongside our students. Located in a vibrant area, our school fosters an environment of empathy and curiosity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School in Plymouth
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Randstad Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Randstad Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
