Are you passionate about supporting young people with additional needs?
We are looking for caring, resilient and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistants to work with students aged 11–19 at a specialist SEND school in the Bootle/Litherland area of Liverpool.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including Autism, communication needs, sensory needs and other additional learning needs.
Whether you already have experience within a SEND setting, have worked with children or young people in another capacity, or have transferable experience from care, support work, youth work or a similar environment, we would love to hear from you.
About the school
The school provides a supportive and highly individualised learning environment where students are encouraged to develop their confidence, independence, communication and life skills alongside their academic learning.
In its July 2024 Ofsted inspection, pupils were described as thriving within a caring school community where they feel happy and safe.
The high school site provides a more formal learning pathway, with students accessing individual subjects as well as accredited courses and qualifications. Learning is adapted to meet students' individual abilities and needs, with specialist approaches used to remove barriers to learning.
There is also a strong emphasis on preparing young people for adulthood through life skills, independence, careers education and work experience.
The role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and other specialist staff to provide individualised support to students.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting students during lessons on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
- Helping students with Autism and other additional needs to engage with learning
- Supporting communication, interaction and the development of independence
- Using visual, sensory and communication resources to support individual students
- Helping students to understand and regulate their emotions and behaviour
- Supporting established routines and transitions throughout the school day
- Encouraging students to develop their confidence, social skills and life skills
- Helping create a calm, positive and inclusive learning environment
- Building trusting and professional relationships with students
- Working closely with teachers, support staff and other professionals
- Following individual support plans, safeguarding procedures and school policies
Depending on the needs of individual students, the role may also involve providing personal care and support with physical, sensory or medical needs. Full details and appropriate guidance will be provided.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are patient, compassionate and able to remain calm when situations become challenging.
Previous SEND school experience is desirable, but it is not always essential. Relevant experience could come from:
- SEND or mainstream schools
- Residential or supported living services
- Health and social care
- Autism support
- Youth work
- Mental health or behavioural support
- Children's services
- Sports coaching or mentoring
- Community or voluntary work
Most importantly, you should have a genuine desire to help young people with additional needs achieve their potential.
You will need to be comfortable working with students whose communication, sensory and emotional needs can vary considerably. You should be willing to learn each student's individual way of communicating and understand that progress can look different for every young person.
Why apply?
This is an opportunity to join a specialist environment where small steps can make a significant difference to a young person's future.
You will have the chance to:
- Make a genuine difference to young people's education and independence
- Develop valuable experience working with students with Autism and complex SEND
- Work alongside experienced SEND professionals
- Build your knowledge of specialist communication and sensory approaches
- Gain experience within a highly regarded specialist school environment
- Support young people as they prepare for adulthood and life beyond school
Interested?
If you are compassionate, reliable and enthusiastic about supporting young people with SEND, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss the role and your experience.
INDRD
Pay: From £101.68 per day
Work Location: In person
