Additional Learning Needs Teaching Assistant

New Directions Group; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education in Cardiff is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Additional Learning Needs across specialist and mainstream schools. You will work closely with teachers and support staff to help students achieve educational, social and emotional goals in a safe, inclusive environment.

You should have a genuine passion for supporting children with diverse needs including ASC, ADHD and SEMH.

Qualifications

• Experience working with ALN or children with additional needs is desirable.
• Patient, empathetic and adaptable approach to supporting learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within an educational setting.
• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care, or related fields are advantageous but not essential.
• Enhanced DBS Certificate registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with Additional Learning Needs.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities.
• Support pupils in developing their communication, social, emotional, and behavioural skills.
• Help create a positive, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
• Encourage pupil independence, confidence, and participation in classroom activities.
• Implement individual education plans (IDPs) and behaviour support strategies where required.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, reporting observations to teaching staff.
• Support pupils during breaktimes, educational visits, and other school activities.
• Always maintain safeguarding and welfare standards.

Skills

Patience & empathy

Communication

Relationship building

Adaptability

ALN experience

Education

Education-related qualifications (desirable)

DBS Update Service certificate

Job description

New Directions Education is seeking dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) across a range of specialist and mainstream schools in Cardiff. This rewarding role involves working closely with teachers and support staff to help students achieve their educational, social, and emotional goals in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with diverse learning needs, including autism spectrum conditions (ASC), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and other additional learning requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with Additional Learning Needs.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities.
• Support pupils in developing their communication, social, emotional, and behavioural skills.
• Help create a positive, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
• Encourage pupil independence, confidence, and participation in classroom activities.
• Implement individual education plans (IDPs) and behaviour support strategies where required.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, reporting observations to teaching staff.
• Support pupils during breaktimes, educational visits, and other school activities.
• Always maintain safeguarding and welfare standards.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with Additional Learning Needs is desirable.
• A patient, empathetic, and adaptable approach to supporting learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within an educational setting.
• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care, or related fields are advantageous but not essential.
• Enhanced DBS Certificate registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

About You

If you are a caring, resilient, and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with Additional Learning Needs. You thrive in a supportive educational environment and are committed to helping every learner reach their full potential.