Specialist Teaching Assistant

Applebough Recruitment Ltd; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Applebough Recruitment Ltd is seeking a caring Teaching Assistant to support pupils with profound and complex learning difficulties in a school setting. The role requires a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare or an equivalent qualification.

You will work alongside teachers and specialists to support individual learning programmes, literacy, numeracy and personal care needs, while promoting independence and inclusive education.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare or equivalent.
• Experience with children or young people with special educational needs.
• Experience or understanding of supporting pupils with complex learning difficulties.
• Willingness to undertake daily personal care responsibilities, including intimate care, toileting, changing and feeding.
• Ability to support pupils with limited verbal communication or non-verbal communication.
• Patient, nurturing and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, dignity and promoting independence.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with complex and profound learning difficulties.
• Support delivery of individual learning programmes and activities aligned with EHCPs and targets.
• Support pupils with communication difficulties using visual aids, PECS, Makaton and other communication systems where appropriate.
• Assist with literacy, numeracy, sensory activities and practical learning.
• Undertake daily personal care duties, including toileting, changing and feeding.
• Support pupils with physical, sensory, communication and emotional needs.
• Promote independence and essential life skills.
• Recognise behaviours, triggers and communication cues, responding with patience and appropriate support.
• Implement positive behaviour support strategies to encourage engagement and emotional regulation.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to meet pupils' individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Education

Level 2/3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent

Job description

Make a difference. Support individual potential. Help every child thrive.

We are seeking a caring, patient and committed Teaching Assistant who holds a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification.

You will support pupils with profound and complex learning difficulties, helping them develop communication, independence, confidence and essential life skills.

The role and responsibilities

Working alongside teachers and specialist staff, you will:

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with complex and profound learning difficulties.
• Support the delivery of individual learning programmes and activities in line with EHCPs and personalised targets.
• Support pupils with communication difficulties using visual aids, symbols, PECS, Makaton and other communication systems where appropriate.
• Assist with literacy, numeracy, sensory activities and practical learning.
• Undertake daily personal care duties, including toileting, changing, dressing, feeding and supporting personal hygiene.
• Support pupils with physical, sensory, communication and emotional needs.
• Promote independence and encourage pupils to develop essential everyday life skills.
• Recognise individual behaviours, triggers and communication cues, responding with patience and appropriate support.
• Implement positive behaviour support strategies to encourage engagement and emotional regulation.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to meet pupils' individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Essential requirements

Candidates MUST have

• A recognised Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs.
• Experience or a clear understanding of supporting pupils with complex learning difficulties.
• A willingness and ability to undertake daily personal care responsibilities, including intimate care, toileting, changing and feeding.
• The ability to support pupils who may have limited verbal communication or communicate non-verbally.
• A patient, nurturing and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, dignity and promoting independence.

Desirable experience

• Experience working within a special school or specialist educational setting.
• Knowledge of PECS, Makaton or alternative communication systems.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, physical disabilities or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).
• Understanding of sensory-based learning and positive behaviour support

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Join a rewarding team

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Teaching Assistant who is passionate about making a real difference to children with additional needs. You will play an important role in supporting pupils' learning, personal development, wellbeing and independence.

If you hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification and are confident undertaking personal care, we would love to hear from you.