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inploi; Leigh; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free car parking

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Expanse Learning, a Post-16 SEND College, is seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants for Orrell and Leigh sites. You will support students under the supervision of teachers, help prepare learning resources, and contribute to a nurturing, inclusive learning environment that promotes independence and progression into adulthood.

We value compassionate, motivated colleagues who can build strong relationships with students, parents, and staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
• Understanding of SEND needs including profound and complex needs.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• To hold a Level 3 Learning Support Qualification or willingness to undertake.
• To hold Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.

Responsibilities

• Support the students under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assisting in the preparation of learning resources.
• Encourage students' confidence, self-esteem, and independence.
• Encouraging students to communicate with one another and with staff.
• Support students in transition preparation for adulthood.

Skills

SEND support experience

SEND knowledge

Time management

Communication skills

Level 3 Learning Support Qualification

English & Maths Level 2

Deadline management

Team collaboration

External organisation knowledge

Education

Level 3 Learning Support Qualification

Level 2 English & Maths

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to achieve their full potential? We are looking for enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our Post-16 SEND College teams at both our Orrell and Leigh sites.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people, supporting their learning, personal development, independence and preparation for adulthood. You will work alongside experienced colleagues to provide high-quality, person-centred support in a positive and inclusive learning environment.

If you are compassionate, motivated and committed to helping young people thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

“Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment.”

It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.

An online search will be completed as part of Expanse Learnings pre-employment checks.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the students under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assisting in the preparation of learning resources.
• Encourage student's confidence, self-esteem, and independence.
• Encouraging students to communicate with one another and with staff.
• Support students to develop knowledge and skills in preparation for transition into adulthood.
• Support the teacher in the management of student’s objectives, providing pastoral and educational support, IAG and signposting to appropriate services as needed.
• Helping students understand instructions, through repetition, re-phrasing or demonstrating.
• Provide learning support that meets the needs and learning preferences of your students’ providing elements of personal care and support when required i.e., assistance during mealtimes, breaks, external activities, and other support as required by the students.
• Contribute to planning and differentiating curriculum and target setting for students.
• Support students who require specific assistive technologies /personal aids to support learning.
• Support with individual education, social, behavioural, and personal care programmes.
• Support the teacher with administrative duties including the production of statistical reports.
• Adhere to all Safeguarding requirements as outlined in the organisational Policies to protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, this is inclusive of radicalisation and extremism.
• Recognising signs of distress in students by offering reassurance through agreed intervention strategies.
• To promote the highest standards of Health and Safety practice in relation to all aspects of the role.
• Demonstrate a consistent approach to achieving your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Completing accurate records within the company MIS platforms. i.e., attendance, progress, medical records, etc.
• promote equality and diversity, recognising and actively challenging stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination helping to create an inclusive learning environment and workplace for students and staff.
• Abide to all organisational policies including Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health and Safety undertaking recommended training as and when necessary.
• Support to develop effective relationships with all stakeholders as appropriate to the role i.e., parents/carers.
• Support with the promotion and public relations work at events such as Open/Parents Evenings and Enrolment sessions.
• Drive your own continuous professional development, through participation in the company’s mandatory CPD activities, which includes up-skilling, staff learning days and training events appropriate to the job role.

Qualifications and Skills

• 2+ years’ experience working and supporting individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities including those with profound and complex needs.
• An understanding of the support needs of students with SEND (including profound and complex needs, mental health difficulties).
• Outstanding organisational and time-management skills.
• Good communication and 'people' skills.
• To hold a minimum of Level 3 Learning Support Qualification or a willingness to undertake.
• To hold level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently.
• Proven ability to create strong links and work effectively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of working with external organisation i.e., ESFA, OFSTED, Pearson’s etc.
• An understanding of the needs of young person’s/adults within Post-16 specialist education settings.
• Engagement:
  • Values-Driven culture We’re proud of our culture as we strive to further embed our values
  • An open and collaborative working environment, not just within your college but also across the organisation where innovation is encouraged
  • A career in an organisation that values individuality and diversity
  • Dedicated focus groups to ensure we have the optimal working environment in all aspects.
• Regular training and access to a range of internal and external programmes tailored to your learning needs throughout your career
• Educational sponsorship (application required)
• Opportunities for career progression as we are willing and able to support moves from one department to another.
• A competitive salary for both teaching and non-teaching staff whereby pay progression is possible on a bi-annual basis, following successful performance
• Access to a salary sacrifice pension plan
• Enhanced sick pay that increases as it aligned with your length of service
• Full-time equivalent staff receive 39 days annual leave plus bank holidays (set holiday pattern)
• Wellbeing champions and access to Mental Health First Aiders
• 24/7 access to a free Employee Assistance Programme to provide confidential advice and guidance
• Access to private medical insurance
• Personal resilience and Wellbeing courses
• Dedicated wellbeing day each year
• Facilities:
  • Great buildings providing positive working environments
  • Free car parking at every site
  • Social networking opportunities across the organisation to create new relationships both inside and outside of the work setting.