SEN Teaching Assistant - Full-Time

Aspire People; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for an immediate start in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire. You will support pupils with additional needs, helping access learning, build confidence and independence, with specialist training available.

The role is full-time, temporary to permanent, with school-based progression and opportunities for training such as Makaton, LEGO Therapy, and IEPs. Own transport preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous SEN experience is highly desirable.
• We welcome applicants with experience supporting children with Autism, ADHD, or learning needs.
• Strong literacy and numeracy and excellent communication are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND to access learning.
• Help pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities.
• Encourage communication, confidence and independence.
• Support individual education plans and behaviour management.
• Collaborate with teachers and other professionals.

Skills

SEN experience

Patience & resilience

Literacy & numeracy

Communication skills

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start Meldreth, Cambridgeshire

Full-Time Only Temporary to Permanent

Specialist Training & Career Progression

Conveniently Located for Candidates Across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire

• Royston - approx. 4 miles / 7-10 minutes
• Melbourn - approx. 2 miles / 5 minutes
• Shepreth - approx. 3 miles / 7 minutes
• Cambridge - approx. 10-11 miles / 20-25 minutes
• Cambourne - approx. 12-13 miles / 18-25 minutes
• Baldock - approx. 12 miles / 18-22 minutes
• Letchworth Garden City - approx. 14-15 miles / 18-25 minutes
• Biggleswade - approx. 15-16 miles / 25-30 minutes
• Hitchin - approx. 16-17 miles / 25-30 minutes
• Stevenage - approx. 18-20 miles / 25-35 minutes

Journey times are estimates and will vary depending on traffic.

Location: Meldreth, Cambridgeshire

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:40pm

Contract: Full-time, Temporary to Permanent

Start Date: ASAP - immediate availability preferred

Transport: Own transport or reliable daily commuting arrangements essential

The Role

You will support pupils with a range of additional needs, helping them access learning, develop confidence and build independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing tailored support to children with SEND.
• Helping pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities.
• Encouraging communication, confidence and independence.
• Supporting individual learning needs and education plans.
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Building positive relationships with pupils and school staff.
• Maintaining a patient, consistent and supportive approach.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.

Experience and Essential Skills

Previous SEN experience is highly desirable.

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience supporting children with Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, communication needs or behavioural challenges.

We will also consider candidates with strong transferable skills from:

• Residential childcare and children's homes.
• Care homes and supported living.
• Healthcare and mental health support.
• Mainstream schools and nurseries.
• Youth work and mentoring.
• Social care and support work.

You must demonstrate patience, emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm and professional when faced with challenging situations.

We need someone who understands that working in SEN can be demanding. Pupils may require significant support, and progress can take time. You must be consistent, adaptable and committed, even on challenging days.

Career Progression and Specialist Training

There is potential to progress into permanent employment, with opportunities for specialist training, including:

• Makaton and communication support.
• LEGO Therapy.
• PRICE training.
• Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Sensory learning approaches.
• Manual handling.
• Thrive approaches.
• Further specialist SEND development.

Training opportunities will depend on the school's arrangements and requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Previous SEN experience desirable.
• Relevant transferable experience will be considered.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patient, resilient and reliable approach.
• Full-time availability, Monday to Friday.
• Ability to work 8:30am-4:40pm without adjustments.
• Own transport or reliable daily commuting arrangements.
• Immediate availability preferred.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.