About the Role:
We are seeking several Teaching Assistants to join our education team in a specialist school and college. This role differs significantly from mainstream TA positions. During the school week, you will support students aged 5-19 with severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and often challenging behaviours, enabling them to access therapy-based education. With your compassion and guidance, you will help our students learn and achieve the highest possible level of independence relative to their complex needs, preparing them for life beyond school or college.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Support students in classes of 4 to 10, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
-
Assist with personalized timetables, focusing on core skills like numeracy, literacy, and science, as well as life skills such as cookery and gardening.
-
Use alternative communication methods including Makaton, signs, symbols, or communication aids for non-verbal students.
-
Guide students through moments of frustration, anxiety, and emotional distress, helping them manage their feelings and behaviour.
-
Provide personal care when necessary.
-
Participate in a twice-weekly TA training program that includes theory and practical sessions, leading to a teaching apprentice qualification approved by the CPD standards office.
-
Complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction.
Requirements:
-
Empathy and compassion.
-
Physical and mental resilience.
-
A "can do" attitude.
-
Literacy and numeracy skills to support students' learning and complete necessary documentation.
-
Common sense for teamwork and dynamic risk assessment.
-
Effective communication skills with children, families, and professionals.
-
Patience to adapt to the individual pace of each young person and remain calm in challenging situations.
Working Hours:
- School hours are 36 per week: Monday 08.30-16.00, Tuesday - Thursday 08.30 – 16.15, and Friday 08.30 – 15.45 plus thirty minutes of admin time.
Compensation:
- Teaching Assistant actual salary pro rata: £17,252 - £18,292 for 39 weeks, term time plus CPD days