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 opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities within a well-established trust.
- 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 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
SEN Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Chatham employer: Sandwich Infant
Inspire Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for both students and staff. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH needs, our team enjoys small class sizes, collaborative work culture, and ample opportunities for career progression within the Rivermead Inclusive Trust. Join us in transforming lives and be part of an exciting journey as we develop a state-of-the-art facility for our learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Inspire Academy on LinkedIn or through social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding SEMH needs inside out. Brush up on strategies to support children with challenging behaviours, and be ready to share your own experiences that demonstrate your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm during the interview! Talk about why you’re passionate about working with children with SEN and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment at Inspire Academy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children 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 SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with our mission at Inspire Academy.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see how you fit into our dynamic team and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you can keep an eye on any updates regarding your application status.
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. Be ready to discuss how these complexities affect learning and behaviour, and think of examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to support students with SEMH.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine desire to make a difference shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving the life chances of young people, especially those with special educational needs.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Inspire Academy values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you work with colleagues and external professionals. Think of specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for students, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a supportive team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviours or emotional needs. Practice your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your strategies for building positive relationships and motivating pupils.
