At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEN students through outdoor education and hands-on learning experiences.
- Company: Join a passionate independent special school in Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable young people while working outdoors and fostering resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN settings and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Somerset
Contract Type: Short-Term / Temporary
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
About Our Clients School
Randstad Education is proud to partner with an approved independent special school in Somerset catering to pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Secondary and Post-16. All young people at this school have Special Educational Needs (SEN) as their primary need, alongside unique sensory and nurturing requirements. Many of the students arrive with a history of poor attendance, placement gaps, and exclusions, meaning they have missed significant periods of education. The school's curriculum is entirely bespoke, creative, and active: designed specifically to re-engage these students, inspire them, and help them acquire vital life skills. It is a significant challenge, but one their dedicated team meets every day with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
The Role: Why We Need You
We are seeking an exceptional, energetic SEN Teaching Assistant for a short-term placement who can bring the classroom outside. The school passionately believes that active, hands-on learning is the key to re-engaging young people. In this role, you won't just be supporting academics; you will be utilising outdoor education to build resilience, trust, and self-esteem.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting pupils (KS2 to Post-16) with diverse SEN, sensory, and nurturing needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
- Assisting in the delivery of an active, exciting curriculum, with a specific focus on outdoor education and Forest School initiatives.
- Building exceptionally strong, trust-based relationships to support pupils' academic, personal, and social development.
- Managing challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and positive de-escalation strategies.
- Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning caused by previous educational gaps.
What We Are Looking For:
- Driving Licence (Compulsory): Due to the nature of the outdoor curriculum and potential travel between sites, a full, clean UK driving licence is essential for this role.
- Experience: Proven experience working within an SEN setting.
- Outdoor Expertise: Strong experience or qualifications in Outdoor Education, Forest School, or outdoor learning environments. You must be comfortable leading and supporting activities in all weathers.
- Attributes: High energy, enthusiasm, and a resilient nature. You need to be a team player who can think on your feet.
- Values: A deep commitment to safeguarding and child protection. A thorough understanding of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines is essential.
How and Contact Information
If you have a valid driving licence and the passion to motivate vulnerable young people, and want to make a real difference in a short space of time, Randstad wants to hear from you today. Please provide a brief cover letter outlining your outdoor education and SEN experience and contact us for further discussion. To discuss the role or for an informal chat, please call.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Honiton employer: TipTopJob
Randstad Education is an exceptional employer that values creativity and hands-on learning, providing a supportive environment for SEN Teaching Assistants in Somerset. With a focus on outdoor education and a bespoke curriculum, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The school's commitment to fostering strong relationships and promoting personal growth ensures a rewarding experience for all staff members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Honiton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research their approach to SEN and outdoor education. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience. Be ready to discuss how you've supported SEN students and led outdoor activities, as this will really resonate with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Honiton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with SEN students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially through outdoor education.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in SEN settings and outdoor education. We love seeing how your unique skills can contribute to our creative and active curriculum.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've supported SEN students in the past. We’re looking for real-life stories that demonstrate your ability to build trust and manage challenging behaviours.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs. Understand the different types of SEN and how they affect learning. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed about the challenges these students face.
✨Show Off Your Outdoor Skills
Since this role focuses on outdoor education, be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Think of specific activities you've led or participated in and how they benefited students. Bring examples of how you can make learning fun and engaging outside the classroom.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
Prepare to share examples of how you've managed challenging behaviours in the past. Highlight your strategies for de-escalation and building trust with students. This is crucial in an SEN environment, so showing your soft skills is key.
✨Be a Team Player
This role requires collaboration with other staff members, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share how you've worked with others to create a supportive learning environment and how you adapt to different team dynamics.
