SEN Teaching Assistants - Special Needs School (Stoke)

Tradewind Recruitment; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Ongoing support

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD is seeking caring and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join a specialist SEN setting in Stoke-on-Trent.

You will support children with severe and profound learning disabilities, complex medical needs and physical disabilities, providing personal care and tailored learning opportunities.

We offer training, ongoing support and a collaborative team environment to help you develop essential skills and make a lasting difference in pupils' lives.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with complex needs in a school setting.
• Ability to provide personal care with empathy and discretion.
• Patience, resilience and strong teamwork in a busy classroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils.
• Assist with learning activities and sensory programs.
• Support pupils with personal care, dignity and safety.
• Adapt activities to individual needs with patience and care.

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistants - Special Needs School

Do you have a big heart, endless patience and a passion for helping children with complex needs reach their full potential?

We are looking for caring, enthusiastic, resilient and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our team in a specialist special educational needs setting.

This is a very rewarding but hands‑on role, supporting children and young people with severe and profound learning disabilities, complex medical needs and significant physical disabilities.

Our pupils require a high level of individual care, support and encouragement throughout the school day. We are looking for people who understand that every child is unique and that sometimes the smallest achievements are the biggest celebrations!

WHO WILL YOU BE SUPPORTING?

Severe and Profound Learning Disabilities

Pupils with severe or profound learning difficulties who require individualised support with all aspects of their learning and development.

Children who may have limited verbal communication or be non-verbal.

Pupils who communicate through facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, sounds, objects of reference or communication aids.

Children who need support to understand routines, instructions and their environment.

Pupils who benefit from sensory experiences, structured activities and highly personalised learning opportunities.

Complex Physical Disabilities

Pupils with significant physical disabilities affecting their mobility, coordination and ability to carry out everyday activities independently.

Children who may use wheelchairs, specialist seating, standing frames, walkers and other supportive equipment.

Pupils who require assistance with positioning, posture, mobility and transfers.

Children with limited movement or muscle control who need full physical assistance throughout the day.

Supporting pupils with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions and other complex physical conditions.

Complex Medical and Health Needs

Epilepsy and seizure management.

Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding and nutritional support.

Respiratory conditions and breathing difficulties.

Supporting pupils with suctioning or other prescribed respiratory care, where trained and authorised.

Monitoring health and wellbeing and recognising changes in a pupil's presentation.

Following individual healthcare plans and emergency procedures.

Supporting pupils with medication and other prescribed medical interventions, following appropriate training and authorisation.

WHAT WILL THE ROLE INVOLVE?

This is a varied, hands‑on role where no two days are the same. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small‑group support to pupils.
• Supporting teaching and learning activities tailored to individual needs.
• Delivering sensory activities and opportunities for communication and interaction.
• Supporting pupils to develop independence, confidence and life skills.
• Providing personal care, including toileting, changing, washing and hygiene needs.
• Supporting pupils with intimate care routines in a dignified, respectful and sensitive manner.
• Assisting with feeding and mealtimes, including specialist feeding arrangements where trained.
• Supporting pupils with mobility, positioning and moving and handling.
• Using specialist equipment such as hoists, wheelchairs, standing frames and supportive seating following training.
• Monitoring pupils' health and wellbeing and responding appropriately to their individual needs.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, nurses and other professionals.
• Maintaining a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• Naturally caring, compassionate and patient.
• Happy and confident providing personal care.
• Comfortable supporting children with significant physical disabilities and complex medical needs.
• Resilient and able to remain calm in challenging or unexpected situations.
• Physically capable of undertaking the duties of the role, with appropriate training and equipment.
• Understanding of the importance of dignity, privacy and respect.
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to get involved in all aspects of school life.
• Able to work as part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team.
• Previous experience in a special school, care setting, nursing, healthcare or supporting children with complex needs would be an advantage.

Don't have all the experience? Don't worry! We provide appropriate training and ongoing support to help you develop the skills and confidence needed for the role. Specialist medical procedures will only be undertaken following appropriate training, competency assessment and authorisation.

WHY JOIN US?

• Be part of a friendly, caring and supportive team.
• Make a genuine difference to children's lives every single day.
• Help pupils achieve milestones, develop skills and experience new things.
• Celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.
• Gain valuable experience and develop specialist skills.
• Enjoy a career that is challenging, meaningful and incredibly rewarding.