At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs, delivering targeted interventions and adapting learning activities.
- Company: Join Embark, a school committed to inclusion and supporting every child's success.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with teachers and professionals in a dynamic, inclusive setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with complex needs and a Level 3 qualification in education support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Vision
At Embark, our Collective Commitment to Inclusion means every child is known, valued, and supported to succeed. As a Specialist Teaching & Learning Assistant, you will bring deep expertise, compassion and skill to removing barriers to learning for children with additional and complex needs.
Purpose of the Role
To provide specialist, targeted support for pupils with SEND, SEMH, communication needs or other barriers to learning. You will work with a high level of autonomy within your specialist area, contributing to planning, delivery, assessment and review of interventions, while remaining under the overall direction of a teacher or SENCo. This role bridges advanced classroom support and specialist provision, without carrying the responsibilities of whole-class teaching.
Key Responsibilities
- Specialist Support for Pupils
- Deliver targeted interventions for individuals and small groups based on identified needs (e.g. SEND, SEMH, communication, cognition, behaviour)
- Adapt and modify learning activities to enable progress for pupils working significantly below age-related expectations
- Support pupils with complex needs, including personal care, regulation, communication systems or medical routines where required
- Act as a key adult for identified pupils, supporting emotional security, independence and inclusion
- Planning, Assessment & Review
- Contribute to the development, implementation and review of EHCPs, IEPs, behaviour plans and provision maps
- Observe, assess and record pupil progress using agreed tools and systems
- Use assessment information to adapt interventions and recommend next steps
- Provide clear, timely feedback to teachers, SENCo and families as appropriate
- Inclusion, Behaviour & Wellbeing
- Implement and model inclusive practice aligned to Embark’s Collective Commitment
- Apply specialist behaviour and regulation strategies consistently and safely
- Support pupils through transitions, change and emotionally demanding situations
- Use de-escalation, relational and restorative approaches as agreed by the school
- Professional Collaboration
- Work closely with teachers, SENCo, external professionals and families
- Share specialist knowledge and model effective practice for colleagues
- Support and mentor less experienced TAs within your area of expertise
- Contribute to multi-agency meetings when appropriate
- Safeguarding & Safety
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and professional conduct
- Follow all health, safety, moving & handling and medical protocols
- Recognise and report concerns promptly in line with policy
- Professional Development
- Maintain and deepen specialist knowledge through training and reflective practice
- Contribute to Embark’s wider learning culture and inclusive practice
- Support the development of specialist provision across the school
Person Specification
- Essential Experience
- Significant experience supporting children with additional or complex needs
- Proven experience delivering targeted interventions or specialist support
- Experience working with external professionals or agencies
- Skills & Attributes
- Strong emotional intelligence and resilience
- Ability to work independently within a defined specialist role
- Excellent communication with pupils, staff and families
- Reflective, adaptable and solution-focused
- Knowledge
- Secure understanding of SEND, child development and inclusive strategies
- Awareness of safeguarding, behaviour support and risk management
- Ability to assess progress and adapt provision accordingly
- Qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
- Level 3 qualification in education support or relevant specialist area or equivalent experience
- Willingness to undertake further specialist training
- Desirable
- Specialist qualifications or training (SEND, SEMH, ASD, communication, behaviour, nurture)
- Experience of mentoring other staff
Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant in Swadlincote employer: St George's CofE Primary School
At Embark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for our Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistants. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to enhance your skills and expertise while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional needs. With a collaborative culture that values compassion and innovation, working at Embark not only allows you to contribute to the success of our pupils but also supports your personal growth in a rewarding educational setting.
Contact Details:
St George's CofE Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant in Swadlincote
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND or SEMH. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with complex needs. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills in adapting learning activities and providing emotional support.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusion! During interviews, share your commitment to creating an inclusive environment and how you've successfully implemented strategies to support diverse learners in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Embark. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant in Swadlincote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with additional needs shine through. We want to see how you connect with our vision of inclusion and how you can contribute to making every child feel valued and supported.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience working with children who have SEND or SEMH needs. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've delivered targeted interventions or supported pupils in overcoming barriers to learning.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, and make sure to address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at St George's CofE Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND, SEMH, and other relevant areas. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the pupils you'll be supporting and think about how you can adapt learning activities to meet those needs.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your emotional intelligence and resilience. Share examples of how you've supported children with complex needs in the past, focusing on your ability to create a safe and inclusive environment.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Highlight your experience working with teachers, SENCo, and external professionals. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to multi-agency meetings and support less experienced TAs, showcasing your teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific interventions or strategies you would use in various situations. Think through some scenarios where you might need to apply behaviour management techniques or adapt learning plans, and be ready to share your thought process.
