SLD Teaching Assistant (Severe Learning Difficulties support)
Empowering Learning are currently working with an excellent SEND school in Harlow. We are looking for an experienced SLD Teaching Assistant to join a particular school in Harlow as soon as possible. The position will be based within a small class supporting KS2 and KS3 children with severe learning disabilities.
You will be working with children aged between 9-13 Years in age, each with statements of Special Education Needs. Most of the children you will be working with have very limited communication skills, and some are completely non-verbal. You will be assisting more than one class, supporting several children across the school, rather than working 1:1 with any particular child.
To be eligible to apply for this position, you must have experience supporting pupils with PMLD (Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties) and with their personal care needs.
What is SLD?
Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) tend to have significant restrictions in relation to their cognitive and / or intellectual capacities. These can co-exist with physical, sensory, social and / or emotional difficulties thus making it difficult for a pupil with SLD to follow the school curriculum without substantial support. Pupils with SLD may also use symbols, or signing such as Makaton to help with communication.
Teaching Assistant support
As a Teaching Assistant, we are looking for the right candidate who can make learning participative and encourage peer learning. Other areas of experience that is relevant to this post are listed below:
Supported Learning:
- Using learners' own words, language, materials and personal context. Being clear about activity purpose and how it relates to the skills needs of the learners.
- Breaking down tasks into smaller steps with incrementally build into the task objective.
- Making both written and spoken information clear. Using ambiguous terms and follow plain English guidelines.
Awareness:
- Aware of learners who are from different minority ethnic group. Important to note that their ethnicity is an important aspect of their identity.
- Observe what works for a particular learner and what does not.
Communication:
- Listen closely to what learners say, always respond to the content of what someone is saying and do not be misled by the style of delivery.
- Be aware of the language you use and of that used by other members of the group including non-verbal communication.
- experiences to together to promote shared communication.
You will need to be available to start immediately, as well as being able to commit to working full school hours, 5 days per week. You must have a good command of numeracy and literacy, as this is especially important when supporting pupils with limited communication skills.
Ideally, you will have the following experience:
- SLD: 1 year
- Teaching Assistant: 1 year
- SEND: 1 year
- PECS (any experience desirable)
- Makaton (any experience desirable)
If you have experience working with children or young adults with special education needs, and are interested in making a positive contribution to the lives of young people, please send your CV to or call on .