Non-Verbal Communication Support Assistant - SEND

Aspire People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged pupils who are non-verbal or have significant communication difficulties in Manchester and surrounding areas.

The role focuses on 1:1 support, use of PECS and AAC, and helping pupils access learning through structured activities and routines.

Qualifications

• Has recent experience supporting children with communication needs in a UK school or specialist setting.
• Has experience supporting non-verbal or minimally verbal pupils.
• Understands alternative and augmentative communication approaches.
• Is patient, observant and responsive to individual communication styles.
• Can build trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to communicate verbally.
• Nurturing and consistent approach.
• Confident supporting pupils with autism and additional learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with limited or no verbal communication
• Supporting the use of PECS, visual communication systems and communication boards where appropriate
• Encouraging pupils to express their needs, preferences and choices
• Supporting interaction through play, structured activities and everyday routines
• Recognising and responding to pupils' non-verbal communication
• Supporting sensory activities and emotional regulation
• Helping pupils access classroom learning at an appropriate level
• Encouraging independence, engagement and social interaction
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals

Skills

Non-verbal support

1:1 support

UK school exp

AAC approaches

Job description

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION SUPPORT ASSISTANT – SEND

Manchester & Surrounding Areas Full-Time Long-Term Opportunities Aspire People

Aspire People are looking for compassionate and experienced SEND Teaching Assistants to support primary-aged pupils who are non-verbal or have significant communication difficulties.

These opportunities are ideal for candidates who understand that communication goes beyond spoken language and who can help children express their needs, make choices and build meaningful connections with the people around them.

You may be supporting pupils with autism, complex communication needs or developmental delays within mainstream inclusion bases or specialist provisions.

THE ROLE:

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with limited or no verbal communication
• Supporting the use of PECS, visual communication systems and communication boards where appropriate
• Encouraging pupils to express their needs, preferences and choices
• Supporting interaction through play, structured activities and everyday routines
• Recognising and responding to pupils' non-verbal communication
• Supporting sensory activities and emotional regulation
• Helping pupils access classroom learning at an appropriate level
• Encouraging independence, engagement and social interaction
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has recent experience supporting children with communication needs in a UK school or specialist setting
• Has experience supporting non-verbal or minimally verbal pupils
• Understands alternative and augmentative communication approaches
• Is patient, observant and responsive to individual communication styles
• Can build trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to communicate verbally
• Has a nurturing and consistent approach
• Is confident supporting pupils with autism and additional learning needs

Experience using PECS, Makaton, communication boards or other visual communication systems would be advantageous.

WHY WORK WITH ASPIRE PEOPLE?

• Long-term and flexible opportunities
• Competitive daily pay rates
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunities within mainstream and specialist SEND settings
• Access to ongoing training and development

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.