SEN TA- Communication & Non-Verbal Support - Swindon

Academics Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics Ltd, in Swindon, is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional needs, including non-verbal learners. The role emphasizes communication through AAC, PECS, gestures and visual aids, helping children express themselves and access learning at their own pace.

You will provide 1:1 and small‑group support, collaborate with teachers and specialists, and help pupils develop daily routines and independence.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting non-verbal children or individuals with complex communication needs.
• Experience using PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, communication boards or AAC systems.
• Patient, observant, compassionate and confident adapting approach to meet individual communication needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs, including non-verbal children.
• Use visual communication systems, gestures, PECS and other communication methods to support pupils in expressing their needs and emotions.
• Help children engage with classroom activities, develop new skills and access learning at their own pace.
• Support pupils with daily routines, personal development and building independence.
• Recognise individual communication cues and respond appropriately to pupils' needs.
• Build trusting relationships and provide a calm, consistent and nurturing approach.
• Work alongside teachers and specialist staff to follow individual learning and communication plans.

Skills

1:1 support

Pupil engagement

Patience

Behavioural support

Tools

PECS

Makaton

AAC systems

Visual timetables

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Communication & Non-Verbal Support - Swindon

Do you have experience supporting non-verbal children or individuals with complex communication needs? Are you passionate about helping children find their voice, develop independence and reach their full potential?

Academics Ltd is working with a specialist SEN school in Swindon that is looking for a caring, patient and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional needs, including non-verbal children.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands that communication comes in many different forms and is confident supporting children who may use visual aids, gestures, PECS, communication boards or other alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods.

The school is looking for someone who can provide consistent, individualised support, build meaningful relationships with pupils and help create an environment where every child feels understood, valued and supported.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs, including non-verbal children.


• Use visual communication systems, gestures, PECS and other communication methods to support pupils in expressing their needs and emotions.


• Help children engage with classroom activities, develop new skills and access learning at their own pace.


• Support pupils with daily routines, personal development and building independence.


• Recognise individual communication cues and respond appropriately to pupils' needs.


• Build trusting relationships and provide a calm, consistent and nurturing approach.


• Work alongside teachers and specialist staff to follow individual learning and communication plans.

This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to children who require additional support with communication, learning and everyday activities. You will play an important part in helping pupils develop their confidence, express themselves and achieve personal milestones.

Who would be suitable?

This opportunity would suit someone with previous experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Communication Support Assistant, Care Assistant or Support Worker.

Experience supporting non-verbal children or individuals with complex communication needs is essential. Candidates with experience using PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, communication boards or AAC systems would be particularly well suited.

Most importantly, the school is looking for someone who is patient, observant, compassionate and confident adapting their approach to meet individual communication needs.

Key Information:

• Job title: SEN Teaching Assistant - Communication & Non-Verbal Support


• Location: Swindon, Wiltshire


• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm


• Pay: £90-£105 per day


• Start date: ASAP / Immediate Start


• Setting: Specialist SEN School


• Essential: Previous experience supporting non-verbal children

If you have experience supporting non-verbal children and want to use your skills in a rewarding specialist school environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy