Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Academics; Essex; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics in Colchester is seeking a Special Needs Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with additional needs in a welcoming school environment. The role involves working closely with teachers and specialists to provide tailored assistance, with focus on developing communication, independence and confidence in pupils.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, caring and committed to helping students succeed.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic, caring and committed to helping young people succeed.
• Experience with children or individuals with additional needs is desirable.
• Experience with autism, ADHD, SEMH or SEND is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a one-to-one or small-group basis.
• Help students engage with classroom activities and their learning.
• Support communication, social skills and emotional development.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and preparation.
• Provide appropriate support for pupils with SEND and additional needs.
• Follow individual education and support plans.
• Create a safe, inclusive and encouraging learning environment.

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to reach their full potential?
Are you patient, resilient and confident working with students with additional needs?
Do you want a rewarding role where every day you can make a genuine difference?

If so, this could be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for a dedicated Special Needs Teaching Assistant to join a supportive school environment in Colchester, working closely with teachers and specialist staff to provide tailored support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in helping students overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and become more independent. You will work with pupils who may have a range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, communication needs, social and emotional needs.

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils on a one-to-one or small-group basis.
• Helping students engage with classroom activities and their learning.
• Supporting communication, social skills and emotional development.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Assisting teachers with classroom activities and preparation.
• Providing appropriate support for pupils with SEND and additional needs.
• Following individual education and support plans.
• Creating a safe, inclusive and encouraging learning environment.

About You

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, caring and committed to helping young people succeed. Previous experience working with children, young people or individuals with additional needs is highly desirable, although candidates with transferable experience will also be considered.

Experience supporting students with autism, ADHD, SEMH, behavioural needs or other SEND requirements would be advantageous. Relevant qualifications or training in education, childcare, psychology, health and social care or SEND are also beneficial.

Why Apply?

You will become part of a welcoming school community where your contribution is valued. You will have the opportunity to develop your experience, gain valuable knowledge of SEND provision and work alongside experienced education professionals.

The role is based in Colchester and offers the chance to build a rewarding career supporting students who need encouragement, understanding and consistency to thrive.

If you are passionate about education, enjoy helping others and want a role where no two days are the same, we would love to hear from you.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.