At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with additional needs in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Specialist SEND school focused on transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a consistent Monday to Friday schedule with outdoor learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting young people and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Chard, Somerset
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring Learning Support Assistant to support children and young people aged 7-25 with a range of additional needs, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Communication and interaction difficulties
- Associated learning needs
Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in helping pupils access learning, develop confidence and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally. The school places a strong emphasis on experiential and outdoor learning, helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence through a range of engaging activities.
What You'll Be Doing
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Supporting learning both within and outside the classroom.
- Assisting pupils to regulate their emotions and engage positively with education.
- Implementing personalised learning and behaviour support strategies.
- Supporting pupils during outdoor learning and enrichment activities.
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to meet individual needs.
- Encouraging independence, confidence and social development.
- Maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
The Ideal Candidate
We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting young people and who can demonstrate:
- Patience, empathy and resilience.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging situations.
- A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEND, ASD and SEMH needs.
- Flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting learning.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
- A willingness to participate in outdoor learning and educational activities.
Previous experience within education, care, youth work, support work, residential care, mental health support or tutoring would be highly beneficial.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience working within a SEND setting.
- Experience supporting children or young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or SEMH needs.
- Experience in outdoor education, forest school, adventure learning, sports coaching or similar activities.
- Experience working with vulnerable children, young people or adults.
Essential Requirements
- Access to your own transport and a full driving licence, due to the location of the school and the nature of the role.
- A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Why Join Us?
- Work within a highly supportive and therapeutic environment.
- Be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming young lives.
- Access ongoing professional development and specialist SEND training.
- Develop valuable experience within specialist education.
- Join a school where positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
- Enjoy a consistent working pattern of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Contribute to a creative curriculum that incorporates outdoor and experiential learning opportunities.
Apply Today
If you are passionate about helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
This role is subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant safeguarding checks.
SEN Learning Support Assistant in Taunton employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join our dedicated team at a specialist SEND school in Chard, Somerset, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with additional needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and therapeutic work environment, offering ongoing professional development and specialist training, while promoting a creative curriculum that includes outdoor learning. With a consistent working pattern and a strong emphasis on building positive relationships, this is an excellent place for those passionate about transforming young lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistant in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research their approach to learning, especially around SEND and outdoor activities. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with pupils who have SEND, ASD, or SEMH needs. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨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 serious about joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistant in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping those with additional needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and support our pupils!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of children with SEND, ASD, and SEMH. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting these young people, as well as the importance of building trusting relationships. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's in education, care, or youth work. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals with additional needs in the past. This will help demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about times when you've worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes for students, showcasing your flexibility and proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to remain calm under pressure or support a pupil in distress. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
