At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a specialist SEND school environment.
- Company: ZEN Educate, dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, no weekend work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and access long-term placements in SEND education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school setting and a caring, patient approach.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
ZEN Educate is currently recruiting a dedicated and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant (Level 2+) to work within a specialist SEND school in Alnwick. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and wants to make a real difference in a specialist education setting.
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to provide tailored support to pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. These may include (but are not limited to) autism spectrum conditions (ASC), ADHD, learning difficulties, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The role will involve supporting pupils across both primary and secondary age ranges, depending on the needs of the school, so flexibility and confidence in adapting your approach is essential. This is a Monday to Friday role during school hours only, offering a great work-life balance with no weekend work.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEND
- Supporting learning activities under the direction of the class teacher
- Assisting pupils with their academic, social and emotional development
- Promoting positive behaviour and helping pupils to regulate emotions
- Supporting pupils with personal care where required (training provided if needed)
- Helping to create a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment
- Adapting support strategies to meet individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other support staff
- Monitoring and recording pupil progress and feedback when required
Requirements
- Previous experience working in a school setting (essential for this post)
- Confidence supporting pupils with additional needs
- The ability to work across both primary and secondary age groups when required
- A caring, patient and resilient approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Preferred (but not essential)
- A Level 2 or above qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, or a related field
DBS Requirement
- An enhanced DBS on the update service is required
- Alternatively, applicants must be willing to apply for a DBS through ZEN Educate
Why Work Through ZEN Educate?
- Access to long-term and consistent placements
- Support from a dedicated ZEN Educate consultant
- Opportunities to progress and gain further experience within SEND education
SEND Teaching Assistant in Alnwick employer: senploy
ZEN Educate is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in Alnwick, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development within the SEND education sector. With a focus on work-life balance, our Monday to Friday roles ensure you can dedicate your weekends to personal pursuits while contributing to a meaningful cause during school hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Alnwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local SEND communities or forums. Engaging with others who share your passion can help you learn about job openings and gain insights into what schools are looking for in a SEND Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND support. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and adaptability when working with children with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities tailored for passionate individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at ZEN Educate.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Alnwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with additional needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in a school setting, especially with SEND. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the SEND Teaching Assistant position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at senploy
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities. Familiarise yourself with terms like autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, and SEMH needs. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the challenges these pupils face.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in a school setting. Think of specific examples where you've supported children with additional needs. Highlight your adaptability and how you've tailored your approach to meet individual needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've worked collaboratively with teachers and support staff in the past. You might even want to share a story about how you helped a pupil communicate better or manage their emotions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting SEND pupils or how they measure progress. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
