Teaching Assistant
Location: Caldwell, Derbyshire
Salary: £20,125.88 per annum (£11.90 per hour)
Hours: 39 Hours per week, Term time only (Monday - Thursday 8:15am to 4:15pm & Friday 8:15am - 3:15pm)
There is a great sense of community at the school, get in touch today if you would like to join their friendly team!
They are a relatively small independent special school with up to approximately 20 students aged 8 to 19 years with severe learning disabilities, autism and associated challenging behaviour. Many of the students also have mental health and therapy needs. The curriculum is completely bespoke and designed to prepare the students for adulthood, so as when they leave the school at 19 years old, they can make choices about their life, they can maintain their physical and mental health, and have a wide range of social and leisure activities that they can access as they move into supported or residential adult living.
The school believes that students should be happy, have fun and enjoy their learning. They improve the lives of students by supporting and encouraging them to choose activities and by introducing
them to new experiences and opportunities. They recognise that when they are happy students
are more likely to be engaged in their learning and make better progress.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant you will work alongside the best educators and therapists in their field to support the students to develop their communication and independence skills, alongside assisting with sensory regulation and building social relationships in order for them to safely access learning in a range of environments including inside their home, their classroom and in the wider community.
Training for this role will be in key areas but will also be tailored to meet the individual needs of the students. Bespoke training is continually delivered from the school's Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist as well as from the Teachers who are behaviour and communication specialists. This typically includes training in iPad communication and MAKATON, sensory regulation strategies and behavioural techniques, along with the underpinning knowledge of the diagnosis and needs of each student.
Every day is different, you will spend time in the classroom, supporting with the outdoor provision - including animal care (the school has 9 ewes, 5 spring lambs, chickens, 5 goats, guinea pigs and a rabbit!) and forest school as well and supporting with regular trips out.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential Skills:
- Qualification (or willing to work towards) Level 3 or equivalent in relevant subject
- Experience of working with a range of students/adults with SEN
- Excellent communication skills
- Willingness to support with challenging behaviour - the school will provide you with the appropriate training and clothing that protects where necessary, and you will get to spend time getting to know the students alongside an experienced staff member so you can be confident in your ability to handle these situations safely
- Resilience, lots of energy and highly motivated
- Knowledge of child protection and health and safety regulations
- Willingness to support with personal care
Desirable Skills
- Qualifications in SEN
- Previously supported students/adults with challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of communication techniques
- Awareness of sensory regulation strategies
- Experience in supporting teaching and learning in schools
Benefits
- Wellness Programme
- Pension
- Term time only work
- Uniform and hot/cold lunches included
- Opportunities for overtime within the residential home during evenings/weekends/holidays
- Opportunities to attend trips out with the students, they recently took who young people to Alton Towers for the day
- Paid training hours
- Free onsite parking
- Free DBS
- Qualify for a Bluelight card (discount scheme) once successful
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please do not hesitate to apply.
The School is committed to safeguarding those in their care - the successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to thorough background checks that include online searches.
They are dedicated to equality of opportunity in all areas of work, education and care.