At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs in their learning and development.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leading provider of education and care for young people with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent 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 and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping children; experience in a classroom is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace; training provided; £1,000 bonus for referring friends.
The predicted salary is between 24700 - 25800 £ 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:
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Training: A full induction and on the job training
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Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
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Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
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Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
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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
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Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
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A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
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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
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 conditions will not only help you connect better with the young people but also demonstrate your commitment to their development during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current teaching assistants or educators in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can help you articulate your understanding and readiness for the role when you meet with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and support for children by volunteering or participating in relevant community activities. This hands-on experience can be a great talking point in interviews and shows your dedication to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our organisation's values and mission. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with ours during the interview will demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Witherslack Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities and expectations 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, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with children or in educational settings, and showcase your passion for supporting young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives, particularly those with special educational needs.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise soft skills such as resilience, teamwork, and a 'can do' attitude. These qualities are essential for a Teaching Assistant, especially when working with children who may face challenges in their learning journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges and setbacks. The role requires resilience, so share examples of times when you've adapted to difficult situations or supported others through tough times.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teachers, therapists, or other staff members to support students.
✨Understand the Needs of Diverse Learners
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Be ready to discuss strategies you would use to engage and support these learners effectively.