At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with learning and wellbeing in a caring environment.
- Company: Join Aurora Ivy Lane School, a 'Good' rated provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free lunches, and discounts through Perkbox.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Level 2 qualification in Support work for Teaching and Learning is desirable.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time only; apply before the closing date!
Join to apply for the Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant role at The Aurora-Group.
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: £12.37 - £13.49 per hour - depending on qualifications and experience (£20,870.66 to £22,304.78 actual annual salary)
Hours: 37 hours per week - Term Time Only
Closing date: Wednesday 18th June at 5pm (please note, the advert could be taken down at any point without prior notice if the position is filled).
Aurora Ivy Lane School is a 'Good' (Ofsted, October 2023) rated innovative provider of specialist education, supporting young people aged 11 - 19 with complex needs including autism, moderate and severe learning disabilities; speech, language, communication and interaction needs and behaviours that can challenge.
Our class sizes are small (up to 8 students), highly supported by some great Teaching Assistants (typically 11) and experienced class teachers and complemented by a superb therapy team.
We’re currently looking for a number of experienced and effective SEN Teaching Assistants.
The Role / Key duties:
- Support our children with their learning and general wellbeing to ensure every child has the best opportunity to reach their full potential in a caring and safe environment.
- Establish a warm, caring and supportive relationship with pupils to support them in feeling safe and enabling them to enjoy and learn during their time at the school.
- Work to promote and encourage independence and personal development in pupils and maintain high expectations of behaviour at all times.
- Support the class teacher and contribute to providing high quality, challenging and differentiated educational activities and experiences.
- Be flexible and able to lend a hand whenever required.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- A recognised qualification at Level 2 or above in Support work for Teaching and Learning in Schools or equivalent (desirable).
- GCSE Maths and English Level 2/C or equivalent.
- Experience working with SEN in an employed or voluntary setting.
- Understanding of the Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures.
- Knowledge or experience of pupils with SEN or SEMH/ASD.
- Ability to adapt and treat pupils as individuals.
- Be positive and creative in assisting to meet pupils’ individual needs.
- Ability to follow plans and work professionally and effectively alongside a range of professionals.
What’s on offer?
- Training and Development: We offer a wide range of programmes and opportunities to all our employees to improve your skills and further your career.
- Save money on your bills: With the rising cost of living, we offer a fantastic benefit through Perkbox to help with cutting costs.
- Competitive Pay and Reward: We compare the market rates of pay and rewards to ensure they are comparable to or better than other similar organisations.
- UK Health Cash Plan: This plan can help cover your day-to-day healthcare expenditure such as optician and dental bills.
- Employee Assistance Programme: We have support available on a wide variety of issues, helping you with online tools, information and via a freephone counselling service available 24/7.
- Free Lunch: We offer an optional free lunch to staff each day in our school canteen.
- Refer a friend for £1,000: We’ll reward you for recommending friends and family to come and join the company (*terms apply).
How to apply?
Please complete a full online application form. If you would like assistance in completing this application form or more information on this position or even to arrange a visit to the school prior to applying, please contact Carl in the Recruitment Team at carl.standidge@the-aurora-group.com.
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant employer: The Aurora-Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora-Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEN, particularly those with autism and severe learning disabilities. Understanding these challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support the children effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your flexibility and adaptability in previous roles. SEN environments often require quick thinking and the ability to adjust to changing situations, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully navigated such scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former staff members at Aurora Ivy Lane School if possible. They can provide insights into the school culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of safeguarding principles and child protection procedures. This is crucial in any role involving children, and demonstrating your knowledge will show that you prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with SEN students. Include specific examples of how you've supported their learning and wellbeing, as well as any qualifications that meet the job requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with special educational needs. Mention your understanding of safeguarding principles and how you can contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as adaptability, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora-Group
✨Show Your Passion for SEN Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges these students face.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with SEN students, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. Be specific about the strategies you used to support their learning and wellbeing, and how you adapted your approach to meet individual needs.
✨Understand Safeguarding Principles
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding principles and child protection procedures. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for the students and how you would respond to any concerns regarding their welfare.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires flexibility, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully adapted to changing situations in the past. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to create a supportive learning environment.