We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and resilient SEND Learning Support Assistant/Teaching Assistant to join our team.
A strong professional background in SEND is essential. Applicants must have substantial experience of working directly with children or young people with SEND and complex additional needs. Applications from candidates without significant SEND experience will not be considered.
You will support pupils individually, within the classroom and through small-group interventions. Working alongside teachers and provision leaders, you will help deliver differentiated learning, behavioural strategies, emotional-regulation support and personalised interventions.
The successful candidate will work with some of the most vulnerable young people in the area, including pupils who may display highly challenging and complex behaviours. Some pupils may have experienced trauma, exclusion, disrupted education or significant barriers to learning.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding position. You must be able to remain calm and professional under pressure, maintain clear and consistent boundaries and build positive relationships with pupils who may find it difficult to engage with education or trust adults.
Purpose of the role
The purpose of this role is to support pupils with their learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and personal development.
You will help pupils access a personalised curriculum, work towards their individual targets and develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve positive outcomes.
You will also assist teachers and provision leaders in maintaining a safe, structured and engaging learning environment.
Key responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting individual pupils and small groups with their learning, behaviour and emotional development.
- Assisting teachers with the delivery of differentiated, accessible and engaging lessons.
- Adapting activities, resources and communication to meet pupils’ individual SEND needs.
- Helping pupils access learning activities appropriate to their needs, abilities and individual targets.
- Delivering or supporting targeted academic, behavioural, SEND and emotional-regulation interventions.
- Supporting pupils to work towards the outcomes identified within their Education, Health and Care Plans, individual learning plans and support plans.
- Helping pupils understand and regulate their emotions using agreed strategies.
- Supporting young people who may display highly challenging and complex behaviours.
- Responding appropriately to incidents involving dysregulation, verbal aggression, physical aggression or refusal to engage.
- Using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support behaviour and engagement.
- Modelling positive behaviour, respectful communication and appropriate language consistently.
- Establishing clear, consistent and appropriate boundaries.
- Supporting pupils during transitions, breaktimes, enrichment activities and off-site sessions.
- Providing personal care where required, in accordance with individual support plans, organisational procedures and appropriate training.
- Observing and accurately recording pupils’ progress, behaviour, engagement and wellbeing.
- Contributing to pupil reviews, EHCP reviews, risk assessments, support plans and discussions with the wider team.
- Reporting safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately and following RE’s safeguarding procedures.
- Helping to maintain a safe, organised and positive learning environment.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, provision leaders, families, schools, local authorities and external professionals.
- Participating in daily briefings, staff meetings, training and professional development.
- Carrying out other reasonable duties that support the safe and effective operation of the provision.
Desirable experience and qualifications
It would be beneficial if you have but not essential as training can be provided:
- Previous experience within a SEND school, alternative provision, specialist provision, pupil referral unit or SEMH setting.
- Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA or equivalent positive-behaviour-support training.
- Experience delivering targeted SEND, academic or emotional-regulation interventions.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based practice.
- Experience supporting young people who have experienced exclusion or disrupted education.
- Experience working collaboratively with families, schools, local authorities and external professionals.
- Paediatric or emergency first-aid training.
- Current safeguarding and Prevent training.
Pay: £21,000.00-£25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
