Job Summary
As a Teaching Assistant within our Supported Living Pathway, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to deliver a high-quality education programme for young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of a personalised curriculum, helping to prepare young people for their transition into adulthood and enabling them to lead their best possible adult lives. This includes supporting engagement in learning, communication, independence skills, and meaningful daily activities.
The role involves working collaboratively with teachers, parents/carers and external professionals to ensure each young person receives a relevant and holistic learning experience that meets their individual needs and aspirations.
You will also support learners with complex autism, particularly those who require high-energy engagement and physical support as part of a structured sensory approach. This may include supporting individuals who present behaviours of concern, requiring patience, consistency, and a positive, proactive approach.
Newfriars College's aim is to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16–25.
We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.
Responsibilities
- Support access to all aspects of college provision for learners with SEND and additional needs including personalised timetables.
- Provide 1-1 support where timetabled.
- Use specialist knowledge/experience to provide appropriate support to learners in relation to their individual needs.
- Provide pastoral support to learners within the college environment. Attend to learners’ personal needs and provide advice to assist in their social, health and hygiene development on a daily basis.
- To act as Cover Supervisor during teacher absence (under the direction of a teacher/designated member of staff as required)
- Support learners’ access to learning using appropriate strategies, resources etc.
- Work with other staff in planning, evaluating and adjusting learning activities as appropriate.
Experience
- Have at least three years’ experience of working to support children and/or young people’s learning, gained in a relevant environment.
- Experience of working with children/young people/adults with additional needs.
Qualifications
- Excellent numeracy/literacy skills equivalent to GCSE C /4 or Functional Skills Level 2 and above.
- NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistant (or recognised equivalent qualification) or be willing to achieve within 2 years.
- Training in relevant strategies e.g. SEND; Behaviour; SEMH; sign language, Makaton, dyslexia etc.
More information including full job description can be found at: Newfriars College Website - Teaching Assistant - careersite
In addition to candidates’ ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview will explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children including: Motivation to work with children and young people Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people Attitudes to the use of authority and maintaining discipline The post holder will be required to have an enhanced DBS check
Part time applications are welcome, minimum 3 days Mon, Tues, Weds up to 5 days – 32.5 hours
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £27,254.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
