SEN teaching assistant

Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
Location: Knowsley, Merseyside
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

About Us:
We are a well-established and caring Special Educational Needs (SEN) school based in Knowsley, providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for children with a range of special educational needs. Our dedicated team is passionate about enabling every child to thrive, whether they have Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), or other learning challenges. We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join our school and help us deliver tailored support that empowers our students to reach their full potential.

The Role:
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide individual and group support to children with a variety of special educational needs. Your role will involve supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom, assisting with learning, promoting social skills, and helping to manage behavioural challenges. You will play a key role in creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where each student is supported to succeed in their own way.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with special educational needs, ensuring they can fully access the curriculum.
• Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and tailored learning strategies.
• Support students with communication difficulties, including using alternative communication systems such as Makaton or PECS (if trained).
• Encourage students' independence and social development through structured activities and interventions.
• Work collaboratively with the class teacher, SENCO, and other professionals to ensure appropriate support is provided.
• Support with personal care needs where necessary, ensuring the dignity and well-being of each student.
• Monitor and record students' progress and behaviour, reporting concerns to the SENCO or class teacher.
• Provide emotional and behavioural support, helping students to manage their emotions and social interactions.
• Attend and contribute to regular team meetings, parent consultations, and reviews as required.

About You:
We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and helping them achieve their best.
• Patient, empathetic, and understanding of the challenges faced by children with SEN.
• A strong communicator, with the ability to work well as part of a team and build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Adaptable and able to respond to the individual needs of each student.
• Proactive and willing to learn new skills and strategies to support students.
• Ideally, you will have some previous experience working with children or adults with SEN, but this is not essential.
• A positive role model for students, demonstrating a calm and supportive approach in all situations.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience in working with children with special educational needs, particularly in a school or care setting.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about specific SEN areas such as autism, ADHD, and speech and language difficulties.
• Training in Makaton, PECS, or other communication strategies (desirable but not essential).
• First Aid certification (desirable).

Why Join Us?

• A friendly, welcoming, and supportive school environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of children with special needs.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training to enhance your skills.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to work with a passionate team who are dedicated to providing the best possible education and care for all our students.

To Apply:
If you are looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs and are ready to join a dedicated and caring team, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would be a great fit for the role to (url removed) or call (phone number removed).

We are excited to find a new team member who shares our passion for supporting children with special educational needs and making a positive difference in their lives.