Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Location: Berkshire

Salary: Full-Time, Permanent

Start Date: September 2024

Working Hours: 08:30 am to 15:45 pm

About Us: Join a dedicated, nurturing and inclusive Special Needs School committed to providing exceptional education and support for students aged 4 to 19 years old. Our students have a range of needs including Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) issues, and Complex Needs. We are passionate about creating a supportive and stimulating environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Role and Responsibilities: As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in the development and well-being of our students. Your responsibilities will include:

• Classroom Support: Assist the class teacher in delivering tailored educational activities and programs. Provide one-on-one or small group support to ensure students can access the curriculum effectively.
• Personal Care: Support students with personal care needs, including feeding, toileting, and hygiene, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Behavioral Support: Implement behavior management strategies to support students with SEMH needs, promoting positive behavior and emotional well-being.
• Communication: Use a variety of communication methods such as Makaton, PECS, and AAC devices to support students with communication difficulties.
• Learning Aids: Prepare and adapt learning materials to meet the individual needs of students, using specialized equipment where necessary.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student progress and behavior, providing feedback to teachers and contributing to individual education plans (IEPs).
• Therapeutic Support: Assist with the implementation of therapy programs (e.g., speech and language, occupational therapy) under the guidance of professionals.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to create a holistic and inclusive learning environment.
• Extracurricular Activities: Support students during school outings, extracurricular activities, and therapy sessions, ensuring their safety and engagement.
• School Environment: Contribute to creating a safe, clean, and engaging school environment, including setting up classrooms and organizing resources.

What We Are Looking For:

• Passion for working with children with special needs and a commitment to their development and well-being.
• Previous experience in a similar role or working with children with SEN is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and resilience.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.

Why choose Engage?

We put the ambitions of our teachers first, ensuring you have the support to teach the way you want to, and pride ourselves on providing high levels of service to our teachers and support staff.

We are widely-recognised, giving us the reach we need to secure reliable work for our supply teachers.

We offer an excellent 'refer-a-friend' scheme that pays you £150 for every teacher you refer to us (after they work 10 days or more).

We pay our teachers in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) meaning you will be paid the same as a permanent employee, regardless of how many days you work.

You will have your own dedicated consultant, who is fully-trained to answer all your questions and provide ongoing support and guidance.

We will also invite you to our CPD training sessions, which are delivered by our in-house team of former senior leaders, and are entirely free to attend!

I'm interested - how do I apply?

Great! If you meet the criteria to become a supply teacher with Engage, you can apply below or contact us directly.

All applicants require the appropriate qualifications and training.

If you don't hear from us within 2 working days, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful for this role. However, we'll keep your CV on file and get in touch if something suitable comes up. (You can still apply for our other roles, too!)

Engage Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

By applying for this role, you are consenting to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details in our fully encrypted database, in line with the new GDPR requirements.

We look forward to working with you!