At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a teacher by working 1-1 with a child with SEND needs.
- Company: A vibrant and inclusive primary school in Kirkby Stephen.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Full-time hours with a strong focus on teamwork and child progress.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant experience in education or care.
The predicted salary is between 16.9 - 16.9 £ per hour.
A vibrant mainstream primary school in the Kirkby Stephen area is looking for someone to support the teacher working 1‑1 with a child. This long‑term Teaching Assistant role is ideal for enthusiastic individuals with SEND experience. The school is a welcoming, inclusive and warm environment, with supportive senior leadership; it is looking for someone to work full time 8:30‑15:30. This role is to start immediately.
The Role
- Working closely with the teacher to adapt the curriculum to the child’s needs
- Understanding the needs of children with SEND
- Helping the child build confidence and reach milestones
- Working inside and outside the classroom environment
- Having experience working with challenging behaviour
The Ideal Person and Skills
- Is ambitious about the progress of young people
- Has excellent communication skills
- Works closely with teachers and SENCOs to implement tailored support plans
- Is compassionate, patient and committed to inclusive education
- Has a background in early years, care, health, or social work
- Possesses patience, flexibility, active listening and the ability to build great relationships
- Is willing to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced classroom environment
Qualifications & Skills
- A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree or equivalent)
- Experience supporting children with SEND
- Passionate about working with young children or adults with disabilities
The School
A warm, inclusive and supported school. Strong focus on teamwork and commitment to every child’s progress. Fantastic support from SENCOs and the leadership team and committed to safeguarding.
Location – Kirkby Stephen
Role Type: Full time / Temp – Perm
Pay Rate: £14.60 – £16.90 per hour
Working Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 – 15:30, Term time
Safeguarding: 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.
SEND Teaching Assistant employer: Sense Education
Join a vibrant and inclusive primary school in Kirkby Stephen, where you will be part of a supportive team dedicated to the progress of every child. With a strong focus on professional development and a warm work culture, this role as a SEND Teaching Assistant offers meaningful opportunities to make a difference in students' lives while enjoying competitive pay and a commitment to safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Sense Education, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Sense Education. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Sense Education. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense Education
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Sense Education.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary SEND Teaching Assistant role at Sense Education, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Sense Education that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
