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 gain valuable experience in special education.
- 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 33699 - 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] 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]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Exhall Grange Specialist School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of visual impairments and the VI curriculum. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our experiences and how they relate to the role, especially when discussing individualised Care Plans and specialist equipment.
✨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 that we’re serious about joining the team at Exhall Grange.
We think you need these skills to ace HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (VI SPECIALIST) [SEND]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with visually impaired students. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people with visual impairments shine through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in their lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 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 they’ve prepared you for this role.
✨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 create effective interventions. Communication is key, so be prepared to talk about how you would engage with students and their families.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the role and the school. You might want to ask about the support available for staff or how the school measures the success of its interventions for visually impaired students.
