At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a dynamic and nurturing environment.
- Company: Welcoming primary school in Fleetwood with a dedicated SEN unit.
- Benefits: Earn £100 per day, term-time only, with a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy a rewarding role until December.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a TA or in supporting children with complex needs required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant (Special Educational Needs Unit)
Location: Fleetwood, Lancashire
Contract: Temporary, Term-Time Only
Duration: September - December
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Pay: £100 per day
About the Role
Are you a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate educator looking to make a profound difference in the lives of children with complex needs? A welcoming primary school in Fleetwood is seeking a skilled SEN Teaching Assistant to join their specialised SEN unit from September through to December. This unique unit supports a wonderful group of mixed-age children who, while sharing a similar cognitive ability, navigate a diverse range of challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), non-verbal communication barriers, and wider SEND.
What Makes This Unit Special?
Unlike mainstream classrooms or some fragmented SEN support roles, this unit is a cohesive environment. Because the children function at a similar cognitive level, the learning framework is unified. However, the way they access that learning varies dramatically. Your day-to-day will be dynamic, requiring you to pivot your approach based on each child's specific sensory, emotional, and communication profile.
The Skills You Will Need to Thrive
- Alternative Communication Expertise: With non-verbal children in the unit, you must be skilled in (or have a strong working knowledge of) communication tools such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, or AAC devices. Your ability to read non-verbal cues and body language is essential.
- De-escalation & Positive Behaviour Support: Understanding the root cause of "behaviours that challenge" is crucial. You will need a toolkit of positive behaviour management strategies, a calm demeanour under pressure, and ideally, training like Team-Teach (though not mandatory, this is a massive plus).
- Sensory Regulation Awareness: Many of the children have ASD and sensory processing differences. You will need to know when a child requires sensory breaks, how to utilise sensory rooms or tools effectively, and how to spot the signs of sensory overload before a meltdown occurs.
- Adaptability & High Emotional Intelligence: You need to be someone who can read the room instantly. A child who is thriving at 9:00 AM might need complete emotional scaffolding by 10:30 AM. Empathy, patience, and a thick skin are non-negotiable.
- Collaborative Spirit: You will be working closely with the Unit Lead, speech and language therapists, and parents. Clear, professional communication and accurate record-keeping of student progress are vital.
Requirements
- Essential: Prior qualified TA experience or solid, referenceable experience from a mainstream 1:1 role, an SEN TA position, a specialist setting, or a professional care background.
- Proven experience working with children with ASD, non-verbal needs, or complex SEND.
- A patient, nurturing, and robust personality.
- Robust understanding of safeguarding procedures within a school environment.
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or the willingness to apply for a new one).
SEN Teaching Assistant - Fleetwood | £100/day (Sept Start) employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a supportive primary school in Fleetwood, where you can make a meaningful impact as an SEN Teaching Assistant. With a focus on collaboration and professional development, this role offers a unique opportunity to work within a cohesive unit dedicated to nurturing children with complex needs. Enjoy a positive work culture that values empathy, adaptability, and continuous growth, all while contributing to the well-being of students in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - Fleetwood | £100/day (Sept Start)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you. Don’t be shy; people love to help!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the skills needed, like communication tools or behaviour management strategies. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about working with children with complex needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for dedicated individuals like you to join our team in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - Fleetwood | £100/day (Sept Start)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience with SEN and any specific skills like communication tools or behaviour management strategies. We want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of children with complex needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for working with children with SEND and give us examples of how you've successfully supported them in the past. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your adaptability and emotional intelligence. We’re looking for someone who can pivot their approach based on each child's needs, so share any experiences that demonstrate this ability.
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 about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder and communication tools like PECS and Makaton. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the unique challenges faced by the children you'll be supporting.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've adapted your approach in previous roles. Highlight situations where you had to pivot quickly based on a child's needs or emotional state. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and respond effectively to the dynamic environment of an SEN unit.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about your experience working with other professionals, such as therapists and parents. Share specific instances where you communicated effectively or contributed to a team effort to support a child's development. This will show that you value teamwork and can contribute positively to the unit.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviours. Think of strategies you've used in the past, especially those that focus on positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques. Showing that you have a toolkit of strategies and a calm demeanour under pressure will reassure the interviewers that you're equipped to handle the complexities of the role.
