At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: A brand-new SEN school in Twickenham focused on collaboration.
- Benefits: Temp-to-perm opportunities, comprehensive training, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the school's culture from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND or strong transferable skills; patient and compassionate.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help create a positive school community.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Twickenham
Start Date: ASAP or with notice
Contract: Temp-to-perm opportunities available
Join a School Where Team Culture and Collaboration Come First
A brand-new SEN school in Twickenham is growing, and we are looking for enthusiastic Special Needs Teaching Assistants to join the team from the ground up. This is a rare chance to help shape the school's identity, values, and culture while supporting young people in a small, welcoming environment. If you want to be part of a close-knit, supportive team where your voice is heard and your contributions make a real difference, this role is perfect for you.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- A Team That Feels Like a Community
The staff team is warm, diverse, and genuinely collaborative. From day one, new colleagues are supported, encouraged to share their strengths, and invited to contribute ideas. This is your chance to help build something meaningful, rather than just fitting into existing systems.
About the School
- Supporting pupils aged 7-16 with Autism (ASD) and SEMH needs
- Small class sizes of 4-6 pupils, allowing for personalised support and strong relationships
- A calm, structured environment focused on individual progress
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with ASD and SEMH
- Tailoring your support to each pupil's needs and your own strengths
- Assisting with learning activities, emotional regulation, and social development
- Supporting personal care where required (full training provided)
Growth and Development Opportunities
- Temp-to-perm pathways with potential for permanent contracts
- Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development
- Leadership that prioritises staff wellbeing and promotes from within
- Support to grow whether you have SEND experience or come from a background in care, youth work, psychology, or sports coaching
Why This School Stands Out
- Be part of a small, expanding team where you can influence culture
- Inclusive and welcoming staff community
- Modern classrooms with excellent sensory and outdoor facilities
- Calm environment with well-established routines
- Leadership that values collaboration, staff wellbeing, and innovation
- A unique opportunity to help shape a school from its early stages
Who We're Looking For
- Experience in SEND or strong transferable skills
- Patient, resilient, and compassionate
- Full-time preferred (part-time considered)
- Team-oriented and committed to helping build a positive school culture
What You'll Gain
- A meaningful role where you can make a lasting impact
- A supportive team that celebrates your contributions
- A workplace where your ideas and strengths genuinely matter
- Opportunities to progress into a permanent role
- The chance to help shape the culture and routines of a growing school
This role offers the rare chance to join a school at the very beginning of its journey and play a key part in its growth. If you're passionate about supporting young people with SEN and want to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Special Needs Teaching Assistant in Twickenham employer: Zest Education
Contact Detail:
Zest Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs Teaching Assistant in Twickenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to special needs education. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet potential employers and showcase your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
When you land that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals with special needs in the past. Show them your understanding of ASD and SEMH needs, and how you can tailor your support to each pupil.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about building a supportive community, and applying directly can help us see your enthusiasm for joining our team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Teaching Assistant in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people with special needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Whether it’s from SEND, care, or any other background, show us how your strengths align with the role of a Special Needs Teaching Assistant.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for authentic individuals who can bring their unique perspectives to our school. Don’t be afraid to share your personality in your application – we value diversity and want to know what makes you, you!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our amazing team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board as we grow together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Education
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the school's values and culture. Understand their approach to supporting pupils with ASD and SEMH needs. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience in SEND, think about how your background in care, youth work, or even sports coaching can apply to this role. Be ready to share specific examples of how your skills can benefit the students and contribute to a positive school culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with pupils. Think about scenarios involving emotional regulation or social development, and prepare your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the school values a collaborative environment, be sure to highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive and inclusive staff community.