At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs and deliver engaging lessons tailored to individual requirements.
- Company: Join Inspire Academy, a dynamic special school dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Small class sizes, professional development, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting journey with ambitious plans for a new state-of-the-art building.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and help them achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviours is desirable; passion for making a difference is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We are looking for a committed and consistent Teaching Assistant who is resilient and passionate about improving the life chances of our young people. We are a specialist provision for pupils aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH), each with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Inspire Academy is a fast-paced, dynamic place to work, where the children are at the heart of everything we do.
As a dedicated Special School supporting children with SEMH needs, our support staff are an integral part of the team and we require someone who is devoted to making a difference. Every student at Inspire has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with SEMH as their primary need, with many having experienced fragmented education and challenges that mainstream settings cannot always meet.
Inspire is proud to be part of Rivermead Inclusive Trust, a well-established organisation within the Medway community. This is an exciting time to join us as we embark on ambitious plans, including the development of a brand-new, state-of-the-art building for our learners, scheduled to open in the near future.
Our mission is simple: every child has the right to achieve. With small class sizes and a passionate team, we provide a nurturing environment where students can rebuild confidence, develop positive behaviours, and make meaningful progress.
What We Do- Work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to support each child’s journey
- Provide an inclusive environment in which all learners that have special educational needs and are disadvantaged are at the forefront of everything we do
- Create opportunities for academic success and personal growth in a safe, structured setting
- Experience working with children with SEMH or challenging behaviours
- Ability to build positive relationships and motivate pupils
- Relevant qualifications or experience (desirable)
- Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference for children with SEN
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed teaching assistant who:
- Understands the complexities of SEMH and is passionate about making a difference
- Supports with the delivery of engaging lessons tailored to individual needs
- Works collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to support holistic development
- Supports pupils in the classroom and during social times
- Delivers 1:1 interventions to enhance learning and progress
- Engages pupils with challenging behaviours and inspires enthusiasm for learning
- Small class sizes for focused teaching
- A supportive and committed team that values creativity and innovation
- CPD opportunities for professional growth
- Opportunities to progress within your career with our Trust’s “Grow your own” ethos
- The chance to transform lives and make a real impact
If you believe every child deserves a chance to succeed and you have the skills and dedication to help them achieve it, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a position of 32.5 working hours per week, Monday to Friday, term-time only plus 1 week for Staff Development days (39 weeks per year in total).
We reserve the right to shortlist and interview earlier than the stated closing date should an appropriate application be received.
SEMH Teaching Assistant: Transform Lives & Growth in Chatham employer: Sandwich Infant
Inspire Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our supportive work culture prioritises collaboration and innovation, offering small class sizes and a committed team that values professional growth through continuous development opportunities. Located within the Medway community, we are excited about our future as we expand our facilities, providing a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and achieve their potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant: Transform Lives & Growth in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Inspire Academy and its mission. Show us that you’re not just passionate about teaching but also about transforming lives and making a real impact on students' journeys.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to SEMH. We want to see how you’d handle challenging behaviours and support our pupils effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Inspire Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant: Transform Lives & Growth in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with our mission at Inspire Academy and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to transform lives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Familiarise yourself with the challenges these students face and think about how you can support them. Being able to discuss specific strategies or experiences will show your passion and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
In this role, resilience is key! Be prepared to share examples from your past where you've faced challenges, particularly in educational settings. Highlight how you overcame these obstacles and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with colleagues and external professionals. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and share instances where you've successfully worked with others to support students. This will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their dynamic environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting SEMH students and their plans for the new building. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of transforming lives.
