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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEND, enhance learning, and promote positive behaviour.
- Company: Silverwood School, a forward-thinking special school in Wiltshire.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression, ongoing training, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young learners' lives every day.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children, strong communication skills, and teamwork.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive culture that values wellbeing and work/life balance.
The predicted salary is between 19007 - 20000 ÂŁ per year.
About Silverwood School
Silverwood School is an inspirational and forward‑thinking maintained special school based in the heart of Wiltshire, spread across three campuses. The school supports pupils aged 4‑19 years with SEND, aiming to enhance opportunities, enjoyment and empower every pupil to reach their full potential. The school’s vision is "Building Community; Inspiring Learning" and is committed to a Values‑Based Education (VBE) ethos that places cooperation, courage, honesty, perseverance, respect and kindness at its core.
Responsibilities
- Provide tailored support to pupils with a range of SEND needs and disabilities
- Support children attending water confidence sessions in the onsite hydrotherapy pool or local swimming pool
- Support outdoor learning lessons to enhance learning and engagement
- Promote positive behaviour and support the development of pupils’ social and emotional skills
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a shared team ethos
- Foster an environment rich in sensory experiences and structured exploration
- Liaise with teachers, SENCO, inclusion lead and designated safeguarding leads to ensure consistent and high‑quality support
- Support pupils learning and communication
- Support the development of crucial life skills
Qualifications
- May have experience of working with children with SEN (advantageous but not essential)
- Have a calm, patient and resilient approach with a genuine passion for supporting young learners
- Communicate clearly and effectively with pupils, families and professionals
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Be imaginative, patient and empathetic in responding to pupil needs
- Support and value outdoor learning and sensory‑based play
- Ability to work well as part of a team, while also using initiative when necessary
£14.13 - £14.82 per hour (F9 – F11). Salary at F9 for 30 hrs a week approx. £19,007.19.
What We Offer
- A highly collaborative team of Early Years, KS1/KS2 teachers and a skilled, welcoming and caring support team
- Opportunities for career progression and ongoing CPD
- Weekly staff meetings, fortnightly TA specific in‑house specialist training opportunities to broaden your skills and knowledge
- A comprehensive and well‑supported induction programme
- Freedom to support learning tailored to individual pupil needs
- A positive, respectful culture that values wellbeing and work/life balance
- Opportunity to join the Wiltshire Council Pension Scheme and Wiltshire Rewards Scheme
Working here isn't always easy but it is deeply rewarding. Every day brings opportunities to learn, connect and change lives.
"There is a genuine 'human' feel to the school. Colleagues are respectful of everyone's situations and there is a real focus on providing a work/life balance."
"I absolutely love my job and look forward to coming into school every day. I love the team I work with and fully trust and respect them all. They support me 100% as I do them."
Terms: Start & Finish time: 08:50 – 15:25. Contracts available 5 days a week, 30 hrs per week with a 40‑minute unpaid lunch break. All contracts are term‑time plus inset days. Every contract includes a 25‑min a week payment to be used on a fortnightly Wednesday after‑school 50‑min training session.
SEN Teaching Assistant, Chippenham employer: Silverwood School
Contact Detail:
Silverwood School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant, Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Silverwood School and its values. Understanding their ethos will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a SEN Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you would support pupils with SEND needs in real-life situations. Be ready to share your ideas during the interview to demonstrate your creativity and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant, Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young learners shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with SEND.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly related to SEN. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our team and the school’s vision.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure to organise your thoughts and avoid unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our school.
How to prepare for a job interview at Silverwood School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Silverwood School's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to cooperation, courage, honesty, perseverance, respect, and kindness will help you align your answers with what they truly value in a teaching assistant.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, empathy is key. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported children with special educational needs in the past. Highlight your calm and patient approach, and how you’ve made a positive impact on their learning and emotional development.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this role. During the interview, emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with colleagues or contributed to a shared goal, showcasing your commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios related to supporting pupils with SEND. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as promoting positive behaviour or supporting outdoor learning. Being able to articulate your strategies will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
