Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Sense Education

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Speech and Language Teaching Assistant to support students with communication needs, including those with ASD, at a welcoming school in Whitehaven. If you are passionate about making a difference for children with speech and language difficulties, this is an exciting opportunity to have a positive impact on their educational journey.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in speech and language support or a related field, and the desire to help children achieve their full potential. You will be working closely with students who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other communication challenges, supporting them with their communication and social skills through a variety of tailored strategies, including Makaton and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).

The role

• Working alongside the class teacher and speech and language therapist to support students with ASD and communication needs.
• Assisting in developing and implementing speech and language strategies.
• Supporting the use of AAC devices to help students communicate effectively.
• Helping students learn and use Makaton to enhance their communication abilities.
• Working with individual students and small groups to ensure tailored support.
• Supporting emotional regulation and social skills development.
• Promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for students.

The ideal person and skills/education needed

• Holds a minimum of a Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assistant, Health and Social Care, Childcare, or a similar qualification in social care.
• Has experience or a qualification in speech and language support (desirable).
• Is familiar with Makaton and AAC (desirable).
• Has a good understanding of ASD and communication difficulties.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and a positive, proactive attitude.
• Has strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with children and a collaborative team.
• Is passionate about supporting children with SEND and making a difference in their lives.

The school

• A friendly, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to reach their potential.
• Committed to supporting pupils with SEND, particularly those with ASD and communication difficulties.
• A place where the staff work collaboratively to provide the best support for each child.
• A school that values professional development and the well-being of its staff.

Hours

• Full-time and part-time positions available, depending on your availability.
• Working hours: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

The benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A chance to make a real, lasting impact on students' lives.
• A supportive and inclusive team environment.
• Weekly pay.
• Potential for the role to become permanent.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.