At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join The Wensum Trust, a collaborative family of schools.
- Benefits: Training opportunities, employee assistance programme, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a focus on positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 BSL trained and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
This role will be fixed term until 31st August 2027 for 32.5 hours per week. Term time + 1. Job shares will be considered.
What We Offer
- A warm, collaborative team culture
- Support through the VSSS
- The opportunity to help deliver a personalised curriculum to support the development of an individual child.
We wish to appoint someone who:
- Builds positive relationships with our children (aged 3–7) and colleagues.
- Shows initiative and enthusiasm and is always kind and caring, supporting the child to settle into school life.
- Is curious about children's behaviour and is keen to develop strategies to support children's behaviour.
- Is an excellent team member and has a passion to ensure children stay safe and engaged.
- Is supportive, playful and passionate about working with children.
- Is Level 2 BSL trained and is able to use this to support communication development.
Employee Background and Culture
Being a part of The Wensum Trust's family of schools offers employees unique experiences to work alongside our strategic partners and to collaborate with a wider network of staff. We believe in investing in employees as individuals, by providing training opportunities that help to develop both existing and new skill sets, to encourage career progression at all levels. We value our staff and are committed to supporting their wellbeing. We have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which all staff can access 24 hours a day. The EAP provides counselling services, legal information and guidance, musculoskeletal services and online resources such as nutrition diaries, healthy eating plans, personal coaching questionnaires and tools and fitness programmes.
We care about bringing together the most able people, to help us achieve our vision of providing a rounded education for children, quality support for their families and opportunities to enrich our communities. As part of The Wensum Trust, we believe that our shared duty is to help every child to develop into high achieving, confident, healthy, caring and resilient members of their family and community. We want our schools to be healthy environments where both children and staff can develop and where strong, positive relationships are key. Our schools, therefore, practise a relational approach with children, our families and our communities. We are particularly interested in working with people who share Our Qualities; who will work effectively and flexibly as part of a team.
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young children with special educational needs? We are looking for a caring, resilient and highly motivated SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant to join our EYFS team supporting a child who has hearing loss. This person will need to be Level 2 BSL trained. You will work alongside the class teacher and SENDCo to deliver the curriculum in a way that meets all the outcomes as outlined in the child's EHCP. The person will be skilled at taking a lead from the child to engage them in learning through a play based curriculum based on their interests. A good understanding of child development and a play-based approach is essential. You will need to be able to communicate with the child using BSL.
SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant employer: The Wensum Trust
The Wensum Trust offers a nurturing and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and supported in their professional growth. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. Joining our team means being part of a community dedicated to fostering positive relationships and delivering personalised education in a healthy and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Wensum Trust on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your passion for working with children. Have some examples ready that showcase your ability to build positive relationships and support children's development.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your BSL skills! If you're Level 2 trained, practice using it in everyday conversations. This will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you're serious about communication development.
✨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 collaborative team culture.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in a child's life or how you’ve supported their development. We want to see that you genuinely care!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the qualities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your Level 2 BSL training and any relevant experience you have with children who have special educational needs. This will show us that you’re the right fit for our team.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your approach to building positive relationships with children and colleagues, as this is key to our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wensum Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an SEN Educational Pastoral Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with hearing loss and how BSL can be used effectively in a classroom setting. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Show Your Caring Side
During the interview, share examples of how you've built positive relationships with children in the past. Highlight your kindness and enthusiasm, as these qualities are essential for this role. Think of specific instances where you’ve supported a child’s development or helped them settle into school life.
✨Be Playful and Engaging
Since the role involves a play-based curriculum, be ready to discuss how you would engage children through play. Prepare some creative ideas or activities that could capture a child's interest and support their learning. This will demonstrate your understanding of child development and your ability to connect with young learners.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other staff members. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in educational settings. This will show that you align with the school's values of collaboration and support.
