At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with visual impairments in and out of the classroom.
- Company: Exhall Grange Specialist School, dedicated to empowering young people with special needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of young learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with visual impairments.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 4 or equivalent, experience with visually impaired students, and good IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 33499 - 36363 € per year.
Exhall Grange Specialist School is a 4‑19 specialist school that supports children and young people with social, communication and interaction difficulties, including autism, emotional and mental health needs, physical difficulties, sensory impairment and complex medical needs. The Warwickshire Vision Support Service leads and manages specialist support services on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, providing outreach support for children with visual impairments from birth to 25 years in homes, early years’ settings, schools and colleges.
About the Role
From September 2026, we are seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support children and young people up to 19 years of age with a visual impairment in both the school environment and across Warwickshire. This role involves working with any age group within the school, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Post‑16, and providing interventions within and outside the classroom covering a wide range of areas from the VI curriculum framework.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Providing interventions within and outside the classroom.
- Supporting adolescents with visual impairments.
- Assisting with the delivery of VI curriculum and specialist equipment.
- Working with individualised Care Plans.
- Collaborating with the VI Department and teachers.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will possess:
- A recognised qualification such as NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent).
- Experience working with visually impaired students.
- Willingness to work towards or hold an advanced VI practitioner qualification.
- Minimum GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at grades A‑C or 4‑9.
- Good understanding of Special Educational Needs.
- A full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle with business insurance.
- Manual handling training or willingness to undertake immediate training.
- Ability to work with Care Plans.
- Knowledge of specialist equipment – its uses and operation – and willingness to demonstrate use (e.g., braille writers, embossers).
- Proficient IT skills to use computerised technologies for VI resources.
Salary and Working Hours
Salary: £33,699–£36,363 full‑time equivalent (equivalent to £25,460–£27,473 per annum for 32.5 hours per week, including 5 training days). Mileage at 45p per mile.
HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (VI SPECIALIST) [SEND] in Coventry employer: WMJobs
Exhall Grange Specialist School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with visual impairments. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to pursue advanced qualifications and receive comprehensive training, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide tailored support. Located in Warwickshire, the school offers a collaborative culture where staff can thrive while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (VI SPECIALIST) [SEND] in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Exhall Grange Specialist School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of visual impairments and the specific needs of students. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your answers with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting children with special educational needs during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment and understanding of their unique challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (VI SPECIALIST) [SEND] in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with visually impaired students and your understanding of special educational needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Qualifications:List your qualifications clearly, especially your NVQ Level 4 or equivalent. If you have any training related to visual impairments or special educational needs, make sure to mention it – we love seeing that commitment!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your experience, be specific about the age groups you've worked with and the types of interventions you've provided. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to support children and young people effectively.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of visually impaired students and the VI curriculum framework. Familiarise yourself with the types of specialist equipment you'll be using, like braille writers and embossers, so you can confidently discuss how you would support students in your role.
✨Show Your Experience
Be ready to share examples from your past experiences working with children who have special educational needs, particularly those with visual impairments. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like your NVQ Level 4, and discuss how you've successfully implemented individualised Care Plans in previous roles.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss how you would collaborate with teachers and the VI Department to deliver effective interventions. Being able to demonstrate strong communication skills will show that you're ready to engage with both staff and students alike.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to supporting students with visual impairments or how they integrate technology into their teaching. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
