Teaching Support Assistant – Specialist SEN Provision
Do you have a passion for helping non-verbal children find their voice, build independence and reach their full potential?
We are looking for a skilled, compassionate and enthusiastic Teaching Support Assistant to join our specialist team, supporting children with Special Educational Needs who may be non-verbal or have complex communication needs, while demonstrating strong cognitive and learning potential.
This is a rewarding role for someone who understands that communication is much more than spoken words. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals to ensure pupils can express their needs, make choices, access an ambitious curriculum and develop greater independence.
About the role
You will provide personalised support that enables pupils to:
- Access an ambitious and engaging curriculum appropriate to their individual abilities.
- Develop functional and meaningful communication.
- Express their choices, needs, feelings and opinions.
- Build confidence, independence and self-advocacy.
- Develop positive social relationships and interaction skills.
- Understand and manage emotions and sensory needs.
- Participate actively in lessons rather than simply being supported through them.
- Develop skills for greater independence both in school and in the wider community.
You will work alongside teaching staff and therapists to implement individualised strategies, adapting your communication and approach to each pupil.
Communication is at the heart of what we do
We are particularly interested in candidates who understand and value AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and other forms of non-verbal communication.
This may include supporting pupils to use:
- Communication devices and apps
- PECS and visual communication systems
- Symbols, visual timetables and social stories
- Objects of reference
- Makaton and/or British Sign Language
- Gestures, facial expressions and other individual communication methods
Knowledge or experience of BSL and/or Makaton would be highly desirable.
What we’re looking for
You will be someone who:
- Believes every child has a voice, regardless of whether they use speech.
- Has high expectations of pupils and sees their abilities rather than their limitations.
- Can recognise subtle forms of communication and respond appropriately.
- Is patient, observant and able to think creatively.
- Understands the importance of presuming competence and promoting pupil autonomy.
- Can adapt learning without unnecessarily reducing the level of challenge.
- Are confident supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
- Can build trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion and promoting pupil wellbeing.
Experience of working with non-verbal or minimally verbal children, AAC, autism, complex communication needs or specialist SEN provision would be highly advantageous.
Be part of something meaningful
This is more than a classroom support role. You will help children communicate, connect, learn and become increasingly independent.
You will celebrate the moments that matter — a child making a choice independently, successfully communicating a need, joining a group activity, mastering a new skill or discovering a new way to express themselves.
If you are passionate about communication, inclusion and unlocking the potential of children who communicate differently, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: From £22,743.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
