At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Eaton Park Academy, part of Alpha Academies Trust, focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Local government pension, gym discounts, free parking, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to shaping future success for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting students and strong communication skills in English.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 12 £ per hour.
Eaton Park Academy is seeking to appoint a passionate SEN Support Worker to work in an inclusive and supportive environment, shaping and supporting the development of our pupils. Our academy is a happy and exciting place to be with lots of opportunities. Relationships between staff and pupils are of the utmost importance to us and we pride ourselves on these. The children are at the heart of everything that we do, and our core purpose reflects this. To create this environment, we need the very best people, who we will support to be outstanding practitioners. Do you want to be a part of this success? If you do, we would love to receive your application.
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public, including staff and students in accurate spoken English is essential for the post, therefore postholders must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.
Our Purpose
At Eaton Park Academy we are committed to "Carving pathways to success for all regardless of social and academic background." Our six academy values underpin our academy ethos and principles and guide our work and learning in the academy:
- Moral - We behave well / We know the difference between right and wrong.
- Adaptable - We overcome challenges / We are flexible and change willingly.
- Successful - We work hard / We set targets and goals to achieve.
- Thoughtful - We care / We think about others and ourselves.
- Enthusiastic - We are positive / We love to learn and grow.
- Respectful - We consider people's thoughts, feelings and opinions / We treat people how they want to be treated.
Why Eaton Park?
Eaton Park is an inclusive Primary Academy in the Bucknall area of Stoke-on-Trent. It is one of the largest Primary Academies in the area and has pupils from nursery to year six. The Academy is in a purpose-built primary building and has benefited from a significant investment in digital infrastructure. We have significant green space and have recently developed wonderful outdoor facilities for our pupils. The Academy environment is attractive and stimulating for our children and as such supports their learning. Our young people thrive and achieve amazing things.
The Academy is part of the Alpha Academies Trust which is located in Stoke-on-Trent and consists of two Secondary Academies, four Primary Academies and a Central Team. Alpha Academies Trust has been established to create a network of Primary and Secondary Academies in North Staffordshire. Our purpose is to deliver a first-class education for every child that overcomes inequality. This means that we recruit outstanding staff and make their professional development a number one priority. Alpha Academies Trust sets a very clear vision for all its educational providers: to champion the life chances of learners in the community it serves. This vision is systematically implemented at Eaton Park Academy.
Benefits
The Trust offers a benefits package which includes a local government pension scheme (Staffordshire Pension Fund), discounted gym membership for on-site gyms and a 25% discount at Nuffield Health Stoke Fitness & Wellbeing Gym, free on-site parking, subsidised meals and a Cyclescheme. We also offer an Employee Assistance Programme through Life and Progress including counselling services to ensure that our staff are looked after and supported. Alpha Academies are committed to staff development and all staff are encouraged to be members of the Chartered College of Teaching. This is financed by the Trust and colleagues are encouraged to access their resources and embark upon their qualifications. For all successful applicants the Alpha Academies Trust will support with the option to further your career by progressing or swapping to become an associate teacher on the appropriate pathway to teaching. This can be discussed at interview or at any time during your employment with Alpha.
SEN Support Worker in Stoke-on-Trent employer: The Alpha Academies Trust
Teaching Vacancies is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. With a strong benefits package and a commitment to safeguarding, employees can expect meaningful growth opportunities in a nurturing environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and child care in Stoke-on-Trent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Support Worker in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Alpha Academies Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Alpha Academies Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Alpha Academies Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Alpha Academies Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Worker in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Alpha Academies Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Alpha Academies Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Alpha Academies Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
