SEND Teaching Assistant (Full time)

Five Education; Taunton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS (refunded when you work 20+)

Specialist training

Mentoring support

Referral bonus

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant for a well-resourced secondary school in Taunton, supporting students with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. You will provide 1:1 or small group support, adapt materials, help with communication and wellbeing, and work with the SENDCo to implement strategies for engagement and progress.

This full-time role runs 8:30–3:30 Monday to Friday; DBS is required; two references; DBS Update Service;

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEND.
• Calm, flexible and empathetic approach to supporting teenagers with varied needs.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Genuine commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and positive outcomes for all learners.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 or small group support based on individual needs and EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
• Support students in developing communication, emotional regulation, and independent learning skills.
• Work with teaching staff and the SENDCo to implement effective strategies for engagement and progress.
• Assist students with physical or personal care needs, promoting dignity and independence.
• Supervise students during break and lunch, ensuring wellbeing and inclusion.
• Record and report on students' progress, behaviour, and concerns, contributing to reviews and support planning.

Skills

SEND experience

Calm empathetic approach

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our well-resourced secondary school in Taunton, supporting students with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. You will play a key role in helping students access the curriculum, participate fully in school life, and thrive socially and emotionally in a supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide tailored 1:1 or small group support based on individual needs and EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
• Support students in developing communication, emotional regulation, and independent learning skills.
• Work closely with teaching staff and the SENDCo to implement effective strategies for engagement and progress.
• Assist students with physical or personal care needs, always promoting dignity and independence.
• Supervise students during break and lunch, ensuring their wellbeing and inclusion throughout the school day.
• Record and report on students' progress, behaviour, and any concerns, contributing to reviews and support planning.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience working with young people with SEND, particularly in areas such as Autism, ADHD, speech/language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
• A calm, flexible, and empathetic approach to supporting teenagers with varied and complex needs.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine commitment to promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for all learners.

Essential requirements:

• Full time availability, from 8:30 to 3:30 from Monday to Friday
• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.
• Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.