We are a specialist education provider committed to delivering high-quality education and personalised support for young people aged 14 to 25 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our learners have a diverse range of educational, communication, sensory, physical and behavioural needs, and we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every learner can achieve their full potential.
We are seeking a compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant / Classroom Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and making a meaningful difference in their educational journey.
About the Role
Reporting to the SEN Teacher, the SEN Teaching Assistant / Classroom Support Worker will provide high-quality classroom and individual support to learners with a range of special educational needs, including autism spectrum condition (ASC), learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, physical disabilities and behaviours that may challenge.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will support learners to access the curriculum, develop communication, independence and life skills, and promote positive behaviour within a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the SEN Teacher in planning, preparing and delivering engaging learning activities that meet the individual needs of learners.
- Provide one-to-one and small group support to enable learners to participate fully in educational activities and achieve their individual learning outcomes.
- Assist learners in accessing the curriculum by adapting learning resources and implementing personalised support strategies.
- Promote the inclusion, participation and independence of learners within the classroom and wider school environment.
- Support the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and behaviour support plans.
- Encourage positive behaviour through consistent application of the school's Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches and behaviour management strategies.
- Use positive reinforcement, encouragement and praise to promote confidence, self-esteem and appropriate behaviour.
- Model positive behaviour, effective communication and social interaction within individual, small group and whole-class settings.
- Support learners who present with behaviours that may challenge by implementing agreed behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Supervise learners during lessons, breaks, educational visits and other school activities, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
- Provide individual supervision and support to learners who require temporary withdrawal from the classroom in accordance with agreed behaviour management procedures.
- Assist with the monitoring, recording and reporting of learners' progress, behaviour and wellbeing, maintaining accurate and confidential records.
- Contribute to the preparation of behaviour incident reports, safeguarding records and other documentation as required.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, parents, carers and external professionals to support learners' educational and personal development.
- Attend staff meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, training sessions and professional development activities as required.
- Support learners with personal care, mobility, feeding and medical needs where required, while preserving their dignity and promoting independence.
- Assist in maintaining a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment that complies with safeguarding, health and safety and equality requirements.
- Support the delivery of communication programmes using recognised communication systems, including Makaton, where appropriate.
- Use positive handling or restrictive physical intervention only where absolutely necessary, in accordance with the school's policies, statutory guidance, accredited training and as a last resort to prevent harm to the learner or others.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in an educational, care or support setting.
- Good understanding of autism spectrum condition (ASC), learning disabilities, communication needs and behaviours that may challenge.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with learners, colleagues and families.
- A calm, patient and resilient approach when supporting learners with complex needs.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and respect confidentiality.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Willingness to undertake relevant professional development and mandatory training.
Desirable
- Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Special Educational Needs, Education or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting learners aged 14–25 years with complex SEND.
- Knowledge and practical experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Training in accredited positive handling or restrictive physical intervention techniques (e.g. Team Teach, PRICE or equivalent).
- Knowledge or practical experience of Makaton or other recognised communication systems.
- Experience supporting learners with physical disabilities, sensory impairments or complex medical needs.
- Understanding of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and person-centred planning.
- Paediatric or Emergency First Aid qualification.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
- Specialist SEND and behaviour support training.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing specialist education organisation.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives and support programmes.
- A collaborative, inclusive and supportive working environment.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification, Right to Work checks, qualification verification and any other pre-employment checks required by current legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and want to be part of a dedicated team committed to improving lives through education, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £25,500.00-£26,700.00 per year
Work Location: In person
