Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Exeter 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 leader in special education and care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, and flexible benefits.
  • 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 and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees.

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

Up To £28,363 + Excellent Benefits

Those Huge Small Victories

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.

Check out this video on what life as a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group is like!

Get out what you put in

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.

One of the best environments in SEND

Located in the rural community of Alvescot, Sandwell is a tranquil setting that offers young people an environment to live, learn and grow. This beautiful site brings together education, care and therapeutic support for our small cohort of young people, providing the perfect backdrop to release their full potential. We support young people with ADHD, ASD, Asperger’s and SEMH and have recently been rated Good by Ofsted.

What we do for you

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 – check out our benefits here

  • 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 – check out our schools here

  • A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

  • Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Bring your whole-self to work

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

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

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.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the \’Parents and Carers\’ section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD

Teaching Assistant employer: Witherslack Group

Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer for Teaching Assistants, offering a supportive and well-resourced environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing, all set within beautiful working environments that foster inclusivity and respect for diversity.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 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 challenges will help you connect better with the students and demonstrate your commitment to their development during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with current Teaching Assistants or educators in similar roles to gain insights into their daily experiences. This will not only prepare you for potential interview questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the environment at Witherslack Group.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience you have with children, especially those with special educational needs. Sharing specific examples of how you've made a positive impact can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to inclusion and support for staff. This shows that you are not only interested in the position but also invested in the well-being of both students and colleagues, aligning with the values of Witherslack Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Adaptability
Behaviour Management
Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Resilience
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to build rapport with children
Organisational Skills
Creativity in lesson support
Commitment to Inclusion
Ability to follow instructions from teachers and therapists

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group. 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, especially any work with children or in educational settings. Emphasise skills like resilience, teamwork, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and how your values align with those of Witherslack Group. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles or experiences.

Showcase Your Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrate your understanding of diversity and inclusion in your application. Mention any experiences that reflect your ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and how you can contribute to an inclusive 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 and young people, especially those with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability

Be prepared to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Highlight your ability to stay positive and adapt to the needs of students, as this role requires a strong sense of resilience.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values

Research Hall Cliffe School and understand its mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs, particularly regarding inclusion and support for neurodiversity.

✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about training opportunities or how they support staff wellbeing.

Teaching Assistant
Witherslack Group
Location: Exeter

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