Communication Support SEN Teaching Assistant

Veritas Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Education is seeking a Communication Support SEN Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEN school in Sutton, South London. You will support pupils to access learning and develop communication skills using PECS, Makaton, and AAC where appropriate.

The role involves one-to-one and small-group support, observation of progress, collaboration with teachers and therapists, and safeguarding. A full-time, term-time-only contract is available, with Enhanced DBS required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with speech, language and communication needs is desirable.
• Knowledge of Makaton, PECS or AAC is an advantage, but willingness to learn.
• Enhanced DBS for Children and Adults is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group classroom support.
• Encourage communication through speech, gestures, signs and visual resources.
• Support pupils using PECS, Makaton, and other AAC systems where appropriate.
• Help pupils express their needs, choices and preferences.
• Encourage interaction, turn-taking and social communication.
• Support speech and language activities under professionals' guidance.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Active listening

Teamwork

Safeguarding focus

Job description

Communication Support SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Sutton, South LondonStart Date: ASAPContract: Full-time, term-time onlySetting: Specialist SEN School

Are you passionate about helping children and young people find their voice, communicate their needs and build meaningful connections?

We are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Communication Support SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Sutton. The school supports pupils with autism, severe and complex learning difficulties, PMLD, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and communication difficulties.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils who may communicate in different ways and help them develop confidence, interaction and independence.

The Role

Working alongside teachers, therapists and other support staff, you will help pupils access learning and express themselves using appropriate communication approaches.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group classroom support.
• Encouraging communication through speech, gestures, signs and visual resources.
• Supporting pupils using PECS, Makaton and other alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems where appropriate.
• Helping pupils express their needs, choices and preferences.
• Encouraging interaction, turn-taking and social communication.
• Supporting speech and language activities under the guidance of relevant professionals.
• Using communication boards, symbols and visual timetables.
• Helping pupils participate in lessons, play and everyday activities.
• Observing communication progress and sharing feedback with teachers.
• Assisting with personal care where required.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, attentive and an excellent listener.
• Passionate about communication and language development.
• Confident adapting communication to suit individual pupils.
• Caring, creative and encouraging.
• A strong team player with good interpersonal skills.
• Committed to inclusion, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Previous experience supporting children with speech, language and communication needs, autism or complex SEN is desirable. Knowledge of Makaton, PECS or AAC is an advantage, but willingness to learn is equally important.

Essential Requirements

• Enhanced DBS covering Children and Adults is essential.
• A genuine interest in supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.
• Availability for a full-time, term-time-only position.

Why Apply?

• Help pupils develop meaningful communication skills.
• Gain valuable experience in a specialist SEN environment.
• Work alongside teachers and other professionals.
• Develop your knowledge of alternative communication approaches.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'