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- Tasks: Support non-verbal children with tailored communication strategies and create a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Well-established SEN school in Barnet with a focus on diverse needs.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help young people thrive in their education.
- Qualifications: Experience with non-verbal children and strong teamwork skills are essential.
- Other info: Male applicants are encouraged to apply; roles available across multiple key stages.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting SEN Teaching Assistants to work with a well-established Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in the Barnet area, operating across three sites that support different key stages. The school works with pupils with a range of complex needs, including non-verbal children, and is seeking experienced, patient, and dedicated individuals who are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.
Responsibilities
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or in small groups
- Working with non-verbal children using tailored communication strategies
- Assisting pupils with communication, engagement, and emotional regulation
- Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and support staff
- Creating a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment
Qualifications
- Experience working with non-verbal children (essential)
- Experience using Makaton and/or other non-verbal communication tools such as PECS, visual timetables, or AAC systems (highly desirable)
- Previous experience in an SEN school or similar setting
- A calm, consistent, and empathetic approach
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
Additional Information
- The school has found that some pupils respond particularly well to male role models, therefore male applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
- Roles available across multiple key stages, depending on experience and suitability
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN Teaching Assistants (Non-verbal Experience) employer: Smile Education
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistants (Non-verbal Experience)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. Research their approach to supporting non-verbal children and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with non-verbal children, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to use tools like Makaton or PECS. Maybe even bring a few examples of how you've used these strategies in the past to the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share specific stories from your previous roles that highlight your patience and empathy. Think about times when you successfully supported a child with complex needs and how you created a nurturing environment for them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistants (Non-verbal Experience)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with non-verbal children. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our pupils, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people with additional needs shine through in your application. We’re looking for dedicated individuals, so share why this role matters to you and how you can make a difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills: If you’ve got experience using Makaton, PECS, or any other communication tools, make sure to mention them! We love seeing candidates who are equipped with the right strategies to support our pupils effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Know Your Non-Verbal Communication Tools
Familiarise yourself with Makaton, PECS, and other non-verbal communication strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles, as this will show your understanding and experience in supporting non-verbal children.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in challenging situations. This is crucial for working with SEN pupils, so let your passion for supporting young people shine through.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in an SEN environment. Prepare to talk about your experiences working with teachers, therapists, and other support staff. Emphasise how you contribute to a positive team dynamic and create a nurturing learning environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting non-verbal children. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best fit into their team.
