SEN - Sen Teaching Assistant

Senploy; London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Senploy seeks a skilled Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils who are non-verbal or have limited speech across primary and secondary schools in Dagenham.

You will help pupils communicate needs, choices, thoughts and personality so they can take part fully in school life, learning and friendships, working with teachers, SENCOs, S/L therapists and families, using Makaton alongside AAC tools.

Qualifications

• Makaton training completed.
• Experience with other AAC systems (PECS, Widgit symbols, eye-gaze, voice output devices).
• Teaching assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning).
• Experience in both primary and secondary settings.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCPs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to non-verbal pupils, using Makaton signs and symbols throughout the school day.
• Help pupils access the curriculum, in lessons, at break and lunch, and on trips.
• Work with teachers and SENCOs to adapt resources and activities, including visual timetables, symbol boards and communication books.
• Follow and contribute to EHCP targets and communication plans, and carry out programmes set by speech and language therapists.
• Model Makaton and encourage peers and staff to use it, helping build a signing-friendly school community.

Skills

Makaton training

AAC systems experience

Teaching assistant experience

SEND Code of Practice knowledge

EHCP knowledge

Education

Teaching assistant qualification (Level 2/3)

Tools

PECS

Widgit symbols

eye-gaze devices

Job description

Every child deserves a voice. We are looking for a skilled, compassionate Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils who are non-verbal or have limited speech across primary and secondary schools in Dagenham.

You will help pupils communicate their needs, choices, thoughts and personality so they can take part fully in school life, learning and friendships. Working with teachers, SENCOs, speech and language therapists and families, you will use Makaton alongside symbols, gesture, communication aids and other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches.

Key responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to non-verbal pupils, using Makaton signs and symbols throughout the school day
• Help pupils access the curriculum, in lessons, at break and lunch, and on trips
• Work with teachers and SENCOs to adapt resources and activities, including visual timetables, symbol boards and communication books
• Follow and contribute to EHCP targets and communication plans, and carry out programmes set by speech and language therapists
• Model Makaton and encourage peers and staff to use it, helping build a signing-friendly school community

Experience / Training Required

• Makaton training
• Experience with other AAC systems, such as PECS, Widgit symbols or eye-gaze and voice output devices
• Teaching assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning)
• Experience in both primary and secondary settings
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCPs