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- Tasks: Support students with special needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a small, child-centred specialist school in Bridgwater, Somerset.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, free training, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in special needs is essential; school or care sector experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible roles available; car drivers preferred but not required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Special needs teaching assistant for a specialist school in Bridgwater, Somerset. Do you have experience supporting vulnerable children or adults with special needs? Have you supported children within the care sector but are tired of the long hours? Perhaps you have worked in a mainstream school but are looking to work in a different setting with more focus on a smaller group of students? Whatever your motivation may be, we are currently looking for a number of teaching assistants to support students of varying ages with MLD, SLD or complex needs at a small specialist school in the town of Bridgwater.
The school, which is part of a small federation of schools in Somerset, has two sites in town. The school ethos at its core is always child first centred and at the heart of everything they do, encouraging and offering education to enrich student experiences whilst also providing them essential life skills to offer independence where possible.
So what are we looking for?
- Experience in special needs is a must; this can be in autism, complex needs, MLD, any sort of diagnosis is experience that counts. This school will give you the opportunity to broaden the scope of what you can support.
- Experience with children is desirable but we will consider those that have supported adults with special needs.
- School experience is also desirable, but we are also interested in those that have perhaps worked in youth centres, care homes, hospitals. There is more than one way to support those with special needs and we understand that these environments offer transferable skills.
- Positive attitudes towards consistency and routine. Vulnerable children value this and changes can cause dysregulation which the school will want to avoid where possible.
- A can do attitude and willingness to support the school and team on wider goals and going where needed, depending on the movements of students.
- Can work term time, Monday to Friday and 8:30-3:30.
- Willing to undertake training where required; this we can offer for free.
- Hold an enhanced DBS on the update service or be willing to apply for one as part of your application.
- Car drivers are ideal, but this is not essential.
If you are looking for a new challenge and wanting to make a measurable impact on some of the most vulnerable children, I would be really keen on chatting with you and urge you to send in your CV.
Special Needs Teaching Assistant employer: Zen Educate
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 the students you’ll be supporting. Research MLD, SLD, and complex needs to understand their challenges and how best to assist them. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the special needs education sector. Attend local workshops or seminars related to special needs support. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in detail, especially those that highlight your ability to maintain consistency and routine. Think of specific examples where you successfully supported vulnerable individuals, as this will demonstrate your capability to adapt to the school's ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to express your willingness to undertake training. Highlighting your eagerness to learn and grow within the role can set you apart from other candidates. It shows that you are committed to providing the best support possible for the students.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have working with special needs, whether it's with children or adults. Detail specific roles and responsibilities that showcase your ability to support vulnerable individuals.
Showcase Transferable Skills: If you've worked in youth centres, care homes, or hospitals, highlight how those experiences have equipped you with skills relevant to the role of a teaching assistant. Explain how these environments have prepared you for supporting students with special needs.
Express Your Attitude: The school values positive attitudes towards consistency and routine. In your application, convey your understanding of the importance of these elements in a special needs setting and how you embody a 'can do' attitude.
Mention Willingness to Learn: Since the school offers training, express your eagerness to undertake any necessary training. This shows your commitment to professional development and your dedication to providing the best support for students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Educate
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with special needs, whether it's with children or adults. Highlight specific examples of how you've supported individuals with various diagnoses, as this will demonstrate your understanding and capability in the role.
✨Emphasise Your Positive Attitude
The school values a positive attitude towards consistency and routine. During the interview, express your commitment to providing a stable environment for vulnerable children and share any relevant experiences where you maintained consistency in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
The role requires a willingness to support the school and team in various capacities. Be ready to discuss instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken on additional responsibilities to help your team achieve its goals.
✨Express Willingness to Learn
Mention your openness to undertake training and development opportunities. This shows that you are proactive about enhancing your skills and are committed to providing the best support possible for the students.
