SEND 1-1 Teaching Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Yate; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction and training

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Career development within the school

Job summary

Ferndown First School in Dorset is seeking a teaching assistant to support pupils with SEND across Reception to Year 4. The role is term-time only, 32.5 hours per week, from 8.15am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, working alongside teachers and the SENCO to deliver personalised programmes.

You will help pupils build confidence and emotional regulation, monitor progress, and contribute to planning. The post requires a full enhanced DBS and eligibility to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children, particularly those with SEND and additional learning needs.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and support emotional regulation.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and helping every child feel they belong.
• Excellent communication and collaborative approach as a team player.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils individually and in small groups with their learning and goals
• Deliver planned activities and personalised support with teachers and SENCO
• Build positive relationships so pupils feel safe and valued
• Use calm, consistent approach to support emotional regulation and behaviour
• Encourage independence, resilience, confidence and self-esteem
• Monitor progress and share observations to inform planning
• Support pupils with personal care needs where required, maintaining dignity

Skills

SEND experience

Excellent communication

Patient and resilient

Team player

Calm under pressure

Job description

This permanent role at Ferndown First School supports pupils with special educational needs, including those with EHCPs, across Reception to Year 4. The work centres on one-to-one and small-group support, delivering personalised programmes alongside teachers and the SENCO, and helping children build confidence and emotional regulation. The post is term-time only, 32.5 hours a week from 8.15am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, and includes personal care where needed. Candidates need an enhanced DBS check and the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Support pupils individually and in small groups with their learning and individual goals
• Deliver planned learning activities and personalised support programmes alongside the teacher and SENCO
• Build positive, trusting relationships so pupils feel safe, valued and understood
• Use a calm, consistent approach to support emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Encourage independence, resilience, confidence and self-esteem in every pupil
• Monitor progress and share observations to inform planning and next steps in learning
• Support pupils with personal care needs where required, maintaining dignity and respect

What’s required

Experience

• Experience of working with children, particularly those with SEND and additional learning needs

Skills & knowledge

• Patient, caring and resilient, with an understanding of the importance of strong relationships
• Able to stay calm under pressure and adapt to changing pupil needs
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach as a team player
• Committed to inclusive practice and helping every child feel they belong

Checks & eligibility

• Full enhanced DBS check
• Eligible to work in the UK
• Online search of name, education and employment history following shortlisting, under Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance

Other

• Passionate about helping children develop confidence, independence and a love of learning

What’s offered

• Comprehensive induction, training and ongoing professional development
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Career development within the school and the Southern Education Trust