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- Tasks: Support students with special needs, managing behaviours and fostering positive relationships.
- Company: Join a dedicated special needs school in Bristol, part of a wider SEN group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free online training, and flexible work management.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with special needs is preferred; youth work or care experience is also valued.
- Other info: Potential for permanent positions and a fun, engaging workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Special needs teaching assistant Zen Educate are seeking someone to work at a alternative provision in Bristol on a full time and long term basis supporting primary aged students with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. This would ideally be starting in the New Year and be working 8:30-3:30 Monday to Friday and term time only. Since these students can come from difficult home lives, foster care, trauma among others and present with some difficult behaviours as a result, we are looking for someone that is very resilient and able to handle themselves with the daily challenges these can bring. Experience in working with special needs is a must but this can come from working with adults as an alternative. The school which is located in west Bristol is based in an old manor house with great outdoor facilities for students. Classroom sizes are only about 6 students per class and lots of adult staffing available to support. The school aims to get students engaged with their education and offer a stable and safe environement for students to express themselves in heathy ways. Requirements; – Experience in working with special needs, specifically those mental health based. – Experience in working with children ideally, and a school environment would be ideal but not essential. – A resilient attitude and able to handle the challenges of difficult behaviours and have a strong understanding of how to build relationships with such students with clear boundaries and expectations. – Able to honour commitments and be a reliable and consistent team member. – Can work well in a team and communicate well among both other teaching assistants and teachers about students and their progress. – An enhanced DBS on the update service, either one you currently hold or a new one on application. Zen can offer competitive pay, training and support to help you excel with the potential to go permanent should the placement work well. Get in touch today to see if you can make a difference and a positive change to a vulnerable student
Contact Detail:
Zen Educate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with autism, ADHD, and moderate learning difficulties. Understanding their behaviours and triggers will help you demonstrate your capability to manage these effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase any relevant experience you have, even if it's not directly in a school setting. Highlight your work with children or young adults in care or youth work, as this can illustrate your ability to engage and support those with special needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you maintain calmness and fun in challenging situations. Schools are looking for resilience and positivity, so think of examples where you've successfully managed difficult behaviours while keeping students engaged.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your reliability and commitment to routine, as this is crucial for students with special needs. Be ready to explain how you can consistently follow instructions and support the school's educational plans.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a special needs teaching assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with autism, ADHD, and moderate learning difficulties.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young adults, especially in special needs settings. Emphasise your skills in managing behaviours, building relationships, and following educational plans.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting students with special needs. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with children in the past and how you can contribute to the school's positive environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Educate
✨Show Your Passion for Special Needs Education
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children who have special needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will help the interviewers see your commitment and passion.
✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Strategies
Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you would use to manage behaviours and anticipate triggers. Providing examples from past experiences can showcase your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
✨Highlight Your Resilience and Adaptability
Working in a special needs environment can be demanding, so it's important to convey your resilience. Share instances where you've successfully navigated challenges and adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and other staff, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Discuss how you would follow instructions and contribute to a supportive team environment to enhance student learning.
