SEND Teaching and Care Assistant

Hugh Baird College; Sefton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Medicash

Staff benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working

Pension schemes

Professional development

Job summary

Hugh Baird College in Thornton is seeking a compassionate SEND Teaching and Care Assistant to join the Learner Support team. The role supports students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, working with tutors to provide high-quality, personalised assistance.

Based at Hugh Baird College - Thornton Campus, the position is permanent and term-time oriented with a pro rata salary. The college offers LGPS and a broad range of staff benefits, including healthcare and development

Qualifications

• NVQ level 2 in Care is required or desirable.
• Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award or Learning Support Certificate is desirable.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Empathy and rapport with staff and students are essential.
• Knowledge of challenges for learners with autism is valued.

Responsibilities

• Meet and greet students, ensuring smooth transitions on and off transport and maintaining attendance records.
• Assist and escort students with mobility difficulties, providing access to all areas and during trips.
• Address personal care needs, including hygiene and mobility support as advised by the multidisciplinary team.
• Supervise students during lunchtimes and breaks, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Support learners during teaching sessions and track progress using ILPs.
• Participate in planning discussions with lecturers to adapt support strategies.
• Provide first aid and maintain a safe environment for all students.
• Contribute to enrichment sessions, events and trips.

Skills

Excellent communication

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Autism understanding

Education

NVQ level 2 in Care

Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award or Learning Support Certificate

Job description

SEND Teaching and Care Assistant

Application Deadline: 17 November 2026

Department: Learner Support

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Hugh Baird College - Thornton Campus

Compensation: £24,340.96 / year

Description

• SEND Teaching & Care Assistant
• Thornton College
• Permanent Term Time Only
• £24,340.96 Full-Time Equivalent, pro rata according to hours and weeks worked. Plus, potential bolt-on payments for further skills and qualifications. Working weeks 36.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits

Join an Outstanding Team

At Hugh Baird College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider, we are committed to inspiring, challenging, and transforming lives. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a workplace where ideas are valued, creativity is nurtured, and professional growth is supported.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated SEND Teaching and Care Assistant to join our team. This role is essential in providing the highest standards of support to our students. You will work collaboratively with our tutors and wider team to foster an environment where every learner can thrive.

Thornton College is a specialist centre within Hugh Baird College, dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities across the Liverpool City Region. Recognised as a Makaton Friendly environment, the college provides a warm, inclusive, and highly supportive setting where every learner is treated as an individual.

Working closely with local SEND schools, Thornton College offers tailored learning programmes that focus on developing independence, life skills, and employability. With modern facilities, including a training apartment, horticulture room, and enrichment spaces, students are empowered to reach their full potential through practical, hands‑on learning and personalised support.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet and greet students, ensuring their smooth transition on and off transport and maintaining attendance records.
• Assist and escort students with mobility difficulties, facilitating access to all areas of the college and during educational trips.
• Address personal care needs, including hygiene and mobility assistance, in accordance with multidisciplinary team guidance.
• Supervise students during lunchtimes and breaks, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Support learners during scheduled teaching sessions, providing help with educational activities and ensuring progress is tracked using Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Participate in planning discussions with class lecturers to adapt support strategies and enhance student engagement and independence.
• Provide first aid and maintain a safe and accessible environment for all students.
• Contribute to the delivery of enrichment sessions, events, and trips.

Desirable Criteria

• NVQ level 2 in Care
• Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award and or Learning Support Certificate
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills are required in order to work effectively with students and staff.
• Empathy, sensitivity and ability to develop and sustain rapport with staff and students.
• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and demands of working with people with differing needs/disabilities/learning difficulties – specifically those who have autism

Please see the person specification for the full criteria

Rewards and Benefits at Hugh Baird College

Why Join Hugh Baird College?

When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development, and recognition. Here are some of the benefits available to you:

Generous holiday allowance

Up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working options depending on the business need, which can provide a better work-life balance for our employees.

Medicash

Access to Medicash’s health plans which are designed to look after you and your family by boosting your access to treatment and support.

Pension Scheme

You will have access to two of the best pension schemes in the country, the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes, depending on your role with us.

Professional Development

We are committed to providing continual professional development, with both formal and informal opportunities designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and career growth.

Industrial Commercial Updates

Our teachers receive 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation to visit with a view to bringing new innovative ideas back to the College.

Reward and Recognition

Our 'Get Recognised' employee reward scheme enables continuous acknowledgement of employee contributions, and our annual staff celebration event highlights colleagues who consistently embody our values.

Lifestyle Fitness Gym

You will have discounted access to our fully-equipped and modern on-campus Lifestyle Fitness gym.

Health and Wellbeing

You will have opportunities to take part in staff groups such as yoga, walking and meditation. You will also have access to Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Travel

You can take advantage of discounted rail travel or bus travel, interest‑free season ticket loans for public transport services and free on-campus parking.

Retail Discounts

You will have access to offers to cashback and discounts at well‑known retailers.

Blue Light Card

You may be eligible to apply for a Blue Light card, giving you access to exclusive discounts.