At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with complex learning needs and collaborate on tailored educational activities.
- Company: Join Orchard Community Trust, a values-driven multi-academy trust focused on inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Work hours are Monday to Friday, term time only, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils with severe learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or care settings and NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Join Orchard Community Trust (OCT), a values-led multi-academy trust committed to excellence, inclusion and strong community partnerships. We are seeking a skilled and motivated SEN Support Assistant to join our dedicated team. Our pupils have severe learning difficulties, and they are taught using a highly differentiated, individualised curriculum.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing support to pupils with complex learning needs, including communication difficulties, hearing and visual impairments, behavioural needs, complex physical/medical needs and sensory processing disorders.
- Collaborating with teaching staff to plan and deliver interventions and activities that meet individual educational requirements.
- Implementing new initiatives and attending relevant professional development courses to improve practice.
- Assisting with the implementation of child protection and health and safety policies.
Qualifications and experience:
- Experience working with pupils in an education and/or care setting.
- NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning or equivalent.
- Knowledge of relevant child protection and health and safety procedures.
- Willingness to undertake professional development and self-evaluation.
School details:
- Day special school for pupils aged 3 to 19 years with cognitive and learning difficulties (PMLD, SLD & MLD, some with complex medical/physical needs).
- Current roll of 224 pupils.
- Hours of work – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8:45am – 3:35pm; Wednesday: 8:45am – 4:05pm; Friday: 8:25am – 3:35pm (32.5 hours per week, term time only).
Closing date: 8 June 2026.
We provide a supportive environment, high-quality CPD and a culture that values wellbeing, growth and positive working relationships.
Safeguarding: This position requires a criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB). Applicants must complete a self-declaration of their criminal record and other safeguarding information. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Equality: The school is committed to equality of opportunity.
To apply, please visit this link. Once you have completed the application form, please email a cover letter and supporting information to recruitment@kemball.orchardct.org.uk. More information about our school can be found on our website.
SEN Support Assistant - Kemball School in Stoke-on-Trent employer: WMJobs
Orchard Community Trust (OCT) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs. With a strong commitment to inclusion and community partnerships, employees benefit from high-quality continuous professional development and a collaborative work culture that values individual contributions. Located at Kemball School, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of learners while being part of a dedicated team focused on excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Support Assistant - Kemball School in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with special educational needs. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to SEN. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet potential employers and show them your passion for supporting pupils with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a classroom setting, as it shows you're serious about safeguarding.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Assistant - Kemball School in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of SEN Support Assistant. We want to see how you can support our pupils with complex learning needs, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children with special educational needs shine through in your cover letter. We love to see candidates who are genuinely motivated to make a difference in our pupils' lives.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have an NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning or any equivalent qualifications, make sure to mention them! We’re looking for candidates who are not only experienced but also qualified to support our diverse learners.
Follow Application Instructions:Don’t forget to apply through our website and send your cover letter and supporting information to the specified email. Following these steps shows us that you can pay attention to detail, which is super important in this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your SEN Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) before the interview. Understand the different types of learning difficulties and how they affect communication and behaviour. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to support pupils with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with children in education or care settings. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported a child with learning difficulties or implemented interventions. This will help demonstrate your capability and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since collaboration with teaching staff is key, think about how you can contribute to a team environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with others to plan and deliver activities tailored to individual needs. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Commitment to Professional Development
Express your willingness to engage in professional development and self-evaluation. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or are interested in, especially those related to child protection and health and safety. This shows that you're proactive about improving your practice and committed to the wellbeing of the pupils.
