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- Tasks: Support a child with ASD in a nurturing, structured environment.
- Company: St Paul's, a compassionate school focused on holistic development.
- Benefits: Monday to Friday hours, supportive team, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH, ASD, and attachment-related needs is essential.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to emotional safety and positive relationships.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
At St Paul's, "Learning in God's Love" is at the heart of everything we do. Our vision and values - Courage, Compassion and Community - guide us as we nurture every child to grow academically, socially and emotionally. The role is Monday to Friday 8:30 - 3:15.
We are seeking a committed and resilient Special Needs Assistant to work 1:1 with a child with an ASD diagnosis and a PDA profile. The child experiences social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and attachment-related difficulties, and may display traits such as impulsivity, high energy, difficulties with concentration and emotional regulation. This role calls for a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach - someone who understands that connection comes before correction, and who can offer calm, consistent and compassionate support.
The successful candidate will:
- Build a trusting, consistent relationship with the child, offering emotional containment and positive reinforcement.
- Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo and external professionals to implement personalised strategies.
- Support the child's engagement in learning and social interaction within a small, structured class setting.
- Use a trauma-informed approach to help the child regulate emotions and develop resilience.
- Remain calm, reflective and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
- Contribute to a nurturing environment where the child feels safe, valued and ready to learn.
- Have experience of supporting children with SEMH, ASD and/or attachment-related needs.
- Understand the importance of co-regulation, emotional safety and positive relationships.
- Be patient, consistent and emotionally attuned.
- Work effectively as part of a compassionate, collaborative team.
- Be reflective, open to feedback and committed to ongoing professional learning.
Special Needs Assistant employer: ST PAUL'S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY
Contact Detail:
ST PAUL'S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might know of 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 special needs support. Think about how you would apply a trauma-informed approach in real scenarios. We want to see your passion and understanding shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Bring examples of how you've successfully supported children with SEMH or ASD in the past. This will help us see your skills in action and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at St Paul’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with special needs shine through. We want to see how your values align with our vision of 'Learning in God's Love' and how you can contribute to a nurturing environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children who have SEMH, ASD, or attachment-related needs. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've used a trauma-informed approach or built trusting relationships in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect the specific requirements of the Special Needs Assistant role. Mention how you can support the child’s engagement in learning and social interaction, as well as your ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST PAUL'S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY
✨Know the Child's Needs
Before the interview, take some time to research ASD and PDA profiles. Understand the specific challenges and strengths associated with these conditions. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely committed to supporting the child’s unique needs.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples of how you've built trusting relationships with children in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm and compassionate in challenging situations. This role is all about connection, so make sure to convey your understanding of emotional safety and co-regulation.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your experience working as part of a team. Talk about how you've collaborated with teachers, SENDCos, and other professionals to implement personalised strategies. This shows that you value teamwork and are ready to contribute to a nurturing environment.
✨Reflective Practice
Be prepared to discuss how you reflect on your practice and seek feedback. Share instances where you've adapted your approach based on what you've learned. This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional learning and your willingness to grow in the role.
