At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in a dynamic learning environment.
- Company: Selworthy School, part of the Oak Partnership Trust, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, pension scheme, and staff wellbeing activities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while enjoying a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Compassion, resilience, and a passion for supporting children with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 18215 - 18215 £ per year.
We are recruiting a number of fixed term and permanent Teaching Assistants to work in each of our Selworthy campuses below:
- Hazelbrook Campus - Secondary and 6th Form
- Oakhill Campus - Primary
It is a cliché but nevertheless true that no two days are ever the same at Selworthy! We can promise an exciting, varied and rewarding career working within our dedicated team to help children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reach their full potential.
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with SEND? Do you have compassion and empathy? Are you capable and resilient? Do you have what it takes to make a difference? We are looking for enthusiastic and resilient people who can demonstrate they are flexible, patient and kind, who will fit in with our skilled and hardworking staff team. The ability to think on your feet and cope well, in sometimes challenging situations is a must. We can promise variety and innovative learning experiences which often necessitate warm coats!
If you would like to be part of a supportive school community, which is dedicated to ensuring continuous improvement for all, we would love to hear from you.
What Selworthy School offers its staff:
- Full induction programme and ongoing professional development
- A rewarding role with excellent support and multiple opportunities for career progression
- Comprehensive pension scheme
- Provision of free tea/coffee for staff
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff wellbeing activities (exercise classes, access to Hydropool, staff and family events)
- Wellbeing room and information on wellbeing approaches
- Access to Occupational Health Service
Salary: Actual Annual Salary £18,215
Hours: 31.25 Hours per week, Term time plus Inset days (8:45am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday)
Selworthy School is part of the Oak Partnership Trust and the role may involve working across our partner schools in the future. The Oak Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Taunton employer: Selworthy Special School
Selworthy Special School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, where staff are valued as part of a close-knit community. With a strong commitment to professional development, comprehensive wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for career progression, Selworthy empowers its educators to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with special educational needs. Located in the welcoming town of Taunton, Somerset, Selworthy offers a unique chance to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Taunton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Selworthy Special School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Selworthy Special School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Selworthy Special School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Selworthy Special School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Taunton
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 Selworthy Special School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Selworthy Special School! 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 Selworthy Special School
✨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.
