At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with learning and wellbeing in a caring environment.
- Company: Join the Aurora Woodlands School, a 'Good' rated innovative education provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and discounts on everyday essentials.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and a Level 2 qualification in Support work for Teaching and Learning is preferred.
- Other info: Flexible role with excellent career growth and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Darwen, Lancashire
Salary: £. - £. per hour (£,. - £,. actual salary) depending on experience
Hours: hours per week – Term Time Only
The Aurora Woodlands School is a 'Good' rated innovative provider of education and care, supporting students aged - with complex needs typically related to Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism and other conditions. We’re currently looking for an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant – Level 1-2 to join us at our beautiful woodlands surrounded school in Darwen.
The Role
As our new Teaching Assistant, your role is to 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. Where necessary this may include supporting with care needs from time to time as well as positive behaviour management adopting a tailored approach to the individual child. You will be expected to establish a warm, caring and supportive relationship with pupils in order to support them feeling safe and enabling them to enjoy and learn during their time at the School, and to promote and encourage independence and personal development in pupils and maintain high expectations of behaviour at all times. You will support the class teacher and contribute to providing high quality, challenging and differentiated educational activities and experiences through supporting the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aiming at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning.
Key duties:
- Participate in the planning and evaluation of learning activities.
- Provide meaningful feedback on pupil attainment and progress.
- Support the teacher in monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting pupils’ progress according to the school’s policies in order to monitor and foster pupils’ progress in all areas of learning.
- Support positive behaviour and concentration levels of the children and adapt own behaviour and responses to any change or escalations in behaviour of the children.
- Promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development and British values within the PSHE policy across the whole school.
- Promote pupils’ cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, physical development and spiritual well-being through a whole Day Curriculum.
- Your duties are likely to vary and therefore candidates will need to be flexible and be able to lend a hand whenever required.
Skills and Qualifications
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- Experience working with SEN in an employed or voluntary setting.
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is absolutely necessary, as you will be required to carpool students to and from school, on a rota basis.
- A recognised qualification at Level 2 or above in Support work for Teaching and Learning in Schools or an equivalent is desirable.
- GCSE Maths and English Level 2/C or above qualification is essential.
- Understanding of the Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures.
- Knowledge or experience of pupils with SEN or SEMH/ASD.
- The desire to put the child first and treat them as an individual.
- Be positive and creative in assisting to meet pupils’ individual needs.
Benefits and Additional Information
What’s on Offer at Aurora? We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:
- Grow with Us – Training & Development: We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.
- Save Money on Everyday Essentials: Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more.
- Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme.
- Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed.
- Competitive Pay & Reward: Enhanced Annual Leave, Company Sick Pay, Enhanced Pension, Life Assurance.
- 24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household: Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night.
- UK Health Cash Plan: Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including freephone counselling (available 24/7).
- Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!
How to apply?
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information please contact Carl in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team.
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 (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. 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.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Darwen employer: The Aurora Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Darwen
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Aurora Woodlands School and understand their values and approach to SEN education. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Teaching Assistant, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN support. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve positively impacted students' learning and wellbeing.
✨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 serious about joining the Aurora team and ready to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Darwen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEN. Use specific examples that show how you've supported children with complex needs in the past. This will help us see how you fit into our caring environment.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share why you want to be a Teaching Assistant and how you plan to make a positive impact on our students' lives. We love seeing genuine passion in applications!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as this is key in supporting our students’ learning.
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 The Aurora Group
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the specific conditions mentioned in the job description, like Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children with SEN. Whether it's through previous jobs or volunteer work, having concrete examples ready will help you demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility
The role requires a flexible approach, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in the past. Share instances where you’ve had to think on your feet or adjust your methods to meet individual needs, as this will highlight your suitability for the dynamic environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to behaviour management or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.