At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a dynamic and nurturing environment.
- Company: Welcoming primary school in Fleetwood with a specialised SEN unit.
- Benefits: Earn £100/day, work term-time only, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and help children thrive through tailored support.
- Qualifications: Experience as a TA or in supporting children with complex needs required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26000 £ 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
This role goes beyond general classroom assistance. To truly support these children and help them thrive, we are looking for an individual who possesses-or is eager to hone-the following specialised skills:
- 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) in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a supportive primary school in Fleetwood, where your role as an SEN Teaching Assistant will allow you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. With a focus on collaboration and professional development, this welcoming environment offers a unique opportunity to work within a cohesive SEN unit, fostering both personal and professional growth while providing essential support to children navigating diverse challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - Fleetwood | £100/day (Sept Start) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research the primary school in Fleetwood and understand their ethos, values, and the specific needs of the SEN unit. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or local education forums. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Prepare examples of how you've used alternative communication methods or managed challenging behaviours in past roles. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience will make you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and keen to join our community of educators dedicated to supporting children with complex needs.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - Fleetwood | £100/day (Sept Start) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with complex needs shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your dedication and resilience in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to the specific role of SEN Teaching Assistant. Highlight relevant experience, especially any work with children who have ASD or non-verbal communication needs, and don’t forget to mention any specialised training you’ve had.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your skills and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: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 our team at StudySmarter.
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 these children face.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported children with complex needs. Whether it's a time you used de-escalation techniques or adapted your approach for a child’s sensory needs, having these stories ready will demonstrate your capability and adaptability.
✨Emphasise Your Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, highlight your ability to read non-verbal cues and adapt to the emotional climate of the classroom. Share instances where your patience and empathy made a difference in a child's day. This is crucial for a role that requires high emotional intelligence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the unit's approach to learning and behaviour management. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your teaching philosophy. Questions about collaboration with therapists and parents can also demonstrate your commitment to a team-oriented approach.
