Teaching Assistant in Somerset

Do you want to teach without the pressures that come from mainstream schools? Do you want to teach in very small groups where you can make a real difference to individual lives? Do you want to be in a school where work life balance isn’t just talked about it’s a reality? Pupils blossom at this caring and happy school. Staff nurture pupils well and pupils feel valued and safe. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils learn to value their education because staff help them experience success. (HMI March 2022)

Cambian Somerset School is an independent secondary day special school supporting young people with autism located in Somerset very close to Taunton. The school is part of the Cambian Group, a federation of 36 special schools across the country.

Purpose and Summary of the Job

To support the delivery of the curriculum, by supporting a specific curriculum area and Tutor. Providing in session support to engage and progress learning for students as a support for the Tutor and 1:1 support in the specified curriculum area, supporting the Tutor with resources, session delivery and planning. The intent of the curriculum at Somerset School is to prepare our students for adulthood and the next stage of their learning by developing independence, supporting with gaining qualifications and providing vocational pathways to employment.

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who shares our vision, who is passionate about education and committed to fostering independence and a passion for lifelong learning. Working as part of a committed team, we need someone who can cater for the diverse needs of our students, therefore, you need to be:

• Passionate about improving the lives of others
• Innovative, engaging, enthusiastic and inspirational
• A positive and consistent role model to others
• A creative thinker and implementer
• An excellent communicator and team player
• Seeking career development and training
• Looking to develop expertise in special educational needs and Autism.

Main Responsibilities

• Utilising strategies from students’ Positive Behaviour Support Plan to engage effectively in learning, whether on‑site or in the community.
• Working closely with teacher to follow session plans and schemes of work and reporting on the progress of students to inform future planning.
• Developing learning resources that are individualised to meet students’ communication needs.
• Supporting students to engage in a range of enrichment activities.

Requirements for an Enhanced DBS and reference checking will be undertaken in line with government regulations and safer recruitment best practice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the recruitment process as short as possible due to the nature of these important checks it may extend the processing time. All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Cambian Group employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other perceived difference.

We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.