SEN Support Worker / Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive; Puckeridge; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive is partnering with a specialist school to support children and young people with severe learning difficulties and additional needs. No previous teaching experience required, and the role emphasizes safety, empathy, and helping pupils engage in activities.

You will work Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 3:45pm (34 hours per week, term-time only), with a weekly after-school club from 3:30pm to 5:15pm. A key requirement is the ability to swim to support pupils during swimming sessions.

Qualifications

• No previous school experience required.
• Willing to learn and support pupils.
• Ability to swim is essential for the role.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils throughout the school day.
• Help children engage in lessons and activities.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Encourage communication, independence and confidence.
• Support pupils with additional and complex needs.
• Work with teachers and support staff.
• Help create a safe, positive and enjoyable environment.
• Take part in activities including swimming with pupils at least once a week.

Skills

Caring

Reliability

Patience

Teamwork

Willing to learn

Swimming

Job description

TeacherActive is working with a fantastic specialist school supporting children and young people aged 2 19 with severe learning difficulties and additional needs.

No previous school experience or teaching qualifications are required.

We are looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic people who are willing to learn and passionate about supporting children and young people.

This could be a great opportunity if you have experience in care, childcare, healthcare, sports coaching, youth work, hospitality, customer service or volunteering or if you are simply looking to start a completely new career within SEND and education.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting pupils throughout the school day
• Helping children engage in lessons and activities
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Encouraging communication, independence and confidence
• Supporting pupils with a range of additional and complex needs
• Working alongside teachers and experienced support staff
• Helping create a safe, positive and enjoyable environment
• Taking part in activities including swimming with pupils at least once a week

Important requirement

Candidates must be able to swim, as swimming is a regular part of the role and you will be required to support pupils during swimming sessions.

Interview process

The interview process is designed to give you the opportunity to experience the school and the role before starting.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a free trial session at the school from 10:00am 1:00pm.

During the trial, you will:

• Spend time working in a couple of different classes
• Meet pupils and members of the school team
• Get a feel for the day-to-day responsibilities of the role
• Have the opportunity to see whether the environment is right for you

You do not need to prepare anything in advance the school is looking for your attitude, reliability, confidence and willingness to support the pupils.

Working hours

Monday to Friday
8:45am 3:45pm
34 hours per week
Term time only

The role also includes one after-school club per week from 3:30pm 5:15pm.

Who are we looking for?

You do not need previous SEND or school experience.

We are looking for people who are:

• Caring, patient and understanding
• Reliable and committed
• Positive and enthusiastic
• Comfortable supporting children and young people
• Happy working as part of a team
• Willing to learn
• Able and willing to swim with pupils
• Passionate about helping others

Full support and guidance will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to gain experience, change careers or start working within education and SEND.

Equal Opportunities Statement

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work.