SEND Teaching and Care Assistant

Hugh Baird College; Sefton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Medicash

Staff benefits

Job summary

Hugh Baird College seeks a compassionate SEND Teaching and Care Assistant to support students at Thornton College, within the Transitions Hub. You will work with tutors to foster independence, life skills and employability in learners with learning difficulties or disabilities.

The role is permanent, full time but term-time only, with 35 hours weekly and 36 weeks per year, plus bolt-on pay for additional qualifications. LGPS and staff benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with students and staff.
• Empathy, sensitivity and ability to develop and sustain rapport with staff and students.
• Knowledge and understanding of challenges of working with people with differing needs/disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Meet and greet students and manage attendance records.
• Assist and escort students with mobility difficulties and during trips.
• Address personal care needs with hygiene and mobility assistance.
• Supervise lunchtimes and breaks for student safety.
• Support learners during teaching sessions and track progress via ILPs.
• Participate in planning discussions to adapt support strategies.
• Provide first aid and maintain a safe environment.
• Contribute to enrichment sessions and events.

Skills

Excellent oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Empathy & rapport

Disability awareness

Education

NVQ level 2 in Care

Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award

Learning Support Certificate

Job description

SEND Teaching and Care Assistant

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: Transitions Hub

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Transitions Hub

Compensation: £23,632 / year

Description

• SEND Teaching & Care Assistant
• Thornton College
• Permanent | Term Time Only
• 35 hours per week until the end of June | 36 working weeks per year
• £23,632 Full-Time Equivalent (pro rata according to hours and weeks worked), plus potential bolt‑on payments for further skills and qualifications
• 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.

Role

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.