Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant

TN United Kingdom; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant school in Poole as a Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant, where you will support young people with Special Educational Needs in both academic and vocational settings. This role focuses on fostering hands-on learning experiences in areas such as horticulture, agriculture, and animal care, helping students develop essential life skills. If you are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young individuals and thrive in an outdoor environment, this is an exciting opportunity to inspire and support students on their educational journey.

Qualifications

• Experience with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is desirable.
• Passion for supporting young people in vocational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEN in academic and vocational lessons.
• Assist in practical lessons like horticulture and animal care.
• Monitor student progress and contribute to IEPs.

Skills

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Compassion

Teamwork

Patience

Education

Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification

Relevant Vocational Qualifications (e.g., Horticulture, Agriculture)

Job description

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Job Title: Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
Location: Poole
Salary Range: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start time: Immediate
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Do you have a love for horticulture and a drive to support young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs? If so, GSL Education seeks an enthusiastic Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant to join a vibrant school in Poole.

About the School: The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils.

Responsibilities of the Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):

• Support students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in both academic and vocational lessons, ensuring they are actively engaged and making progress in their learning.
• Assist with the delivery of practical lessons in areas such as horticulture, agriculture, equine skills, and animal care, fostering hands-on learning experiences.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support, adapting your approach to suit each student's individual needs and abilities.
• Help students develop essential life skills, including communication, problem-solving, and independent living, through everyday activities and tasks.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lessons that are both accessible and inclusive for students with diverse learning needs.
• Encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and personal development, supporting their growth in both academic and vocational settings.
• Build positive relationships with students, offering emotional support and guiding them through challenges to promote well-being and confidence.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, organised, and productive learning environment, ensuring all activities meet health and safety standards.
• Monitor student progress and contribute to reports, reviews, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), tracking their academic, personal, and vocational achievements.
• Support students in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, helping them make connections between classroom learning and practical activities on the school’s 350-acre site.
• Support students in outdoor and hands-on learning experiences, helping to maintain a structured and supportive routine throughout the day.

Requirements of the Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):

• Previous experience working with young people or adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is highly desirable.
• A passion for supporting young people to reach their full potential and develop vocational skills in areas like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills, and animal care.
• Ability to adapt teaching approaches to meet the diverse learning needs of students aged 16–25+.
• Strong communication skills, able to build positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
• A patient, compassionate approach with a focus on promoting independence and confidence in students.
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and adapt to varying weather conditions on the school’s 350-acre site.
• Knowledge or qualification in Special Educational Needs, education, or relevant vocational fields (e.g., horticulture, agriculture) is beneficial.
• Ability to assist in both academic and practical, hands-on lessons, with a focus on developing key life skills.
• Team player, willing to collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other staff to deliver a holistic educational experience.
• Flexibility and initiative in supporting students with a range of learning styles and abilities.
• A full UK driving licence is desirable, as the role may require travel for certain activities or off-site tasks.
• A Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or related certifications in SEN support, horticulture, or agriculture is beneficial.
• Have an updated CV and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one).

If you are an enthusiastic and compassionate ‘Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)’ ready to inspire and support students in their learning journey, we encourage you to apply and join our client school in Poole.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the ‘Post 16 SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)’ role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.