Secondary School Teaching Assistant
Secondary School Teaching Assistant

Secondary School Teaching Assistant

Sunderland Full-Time 22600 - 26700 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with special needs in their learning and development.
  • Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leading provider of education for young people with special needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Passion for helping children; experience in a classroom is a plus but not required.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture; career progression opportunities available.

The predicted salary is between 22600 - 26700 £ per year.

Up to £26,674 + excellent benefits

Our Teaching Assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of. It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

You’ll be joining Ashbrooke School, one of the leading SEN settings in the North East. A purpose-built school with specialist classrooms, extensive grounds and sporting facilities, plus a new purpose-built primary provision – Ashbrooke supports young people with ADHD, ASD, SEMH and SLCN and was recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

  • Training: A full induction and on the job training
  • Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
  • Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
  • Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
  • Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
  • Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
  • Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities
  • A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
  • Contributory pension: matched up to 5%

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

  • Your ‘can do’ attitude – a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
  • Ideally you’ll have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you will all the relevant training
  • Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives
  • Your enthusiasm and expertise to support the teacher and work closely with our therapists

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose-led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself. The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Secondary School Teaching Assistant employer: Witherslack Group

At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and fulfilling environment for our Teaching Assistants at Ashbrooke School. With a focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our staff to make meaningful impacts in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Join us in a purpose-built setting that celebrates diversity and fosters personal growth, where every small victory contributes to a brighter future for our students and a rewarding career for you.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Secondary School Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Understanding these conditions will help you connect better with the students and demonstrate your commitment to their development during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your 'can do' attitude by preparing examples of how you've successfully supported others in challenging situations. This will highlight your resilience and dedication, which are key qualities for a Teaching Assistant.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Ashbrooke School and its approach to education. Being knowledgeable about their methods and values will allow you to tailor your conversation during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former Teaching Assistants at Witherslack Group if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the school environment, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Secondary School Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Resilience
Adaptability
Understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Behaviour Management Techniques
Ability to Support Learning Activities
Passion for Education
Problem-Solving Skills
Creativity in Lesson Support
Ability to Build Rapport with Young People

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Secondary School Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with children or in educational settings, as well as your ability to support diverse learning needs.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people and your understanding of their challenges. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can contribute to their learning and development.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group

✨Show Your Passion for Education

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for supporting children in their learning journey. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives, even in small ways, as this aligns with the values of celebrating 'huge small victories'.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Dedication

Be prepared to discuss situations where you faced challenges while working with children, particularly those with special educational needs. Highlight your resilience and dedication to helping them overcome obstacles, as this is crucial for a Teaching Assistant role.

✨Familiarise Yourself with SEND

Research and understand the specific needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Showing that you have knowledge about these areas will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support the students effectively.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview about the school's approach to teaching and supporting students. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.

Secondary School Teaching Assistant
Witherslack Group
W
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