Teaching Assistant

Changing Lives SEN; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Changing Lives Independent School in Manchester is seeking a committed Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND/SEMH setting for pupils aged 11–19. You will support learning both in small groups and individually, helping students engage, develop confidence and progress academically, socially and emotionally.

The role emphasizes working within a multidisciplinary team, implementing EHCP targets, promoting independence and contributing to our therapeutic, farm-based learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with SEND and SEMH.
• Patient, resilient and compassionate approach to learners.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Willingness to undertake training and continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support students within lessons, individually and in small groups.
• Help students engage with learning and overcome barriers to education.
• Provide support for students with SEND and SEMH needs.
• Assist teachers with differentiated and personalised learning activities.
• Support EHCP strategies and targets in classroom activities.
• Encourage independence, resilience and positive behaviour.

Skills

SEND support

SEMH awareness

Student welfare

Communication skills

Job description

Are you passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs?

Changing Lives Independent School is looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistantto join our dedicated team.

We are a specialist independent SEND/SEMH school providing education for young people aged 11–19 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Our unique therapeutic, farm-based setting provides opportunities for young people to engage with animals, outdoor learning and vocational activities alongside a broad and personalised curriculum.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and other professionals to support students to access learning, develop their confidence and make progress academically, socially and emotionally.

You will:

Support students within lessons, individually and in small groups.

Help students to engage positively with learning and overcome barriers to education.

Provide appropriate support for students with SEND and SEMH needs.

Develop positive, professional and consistent relationships with students.

Support students with emotional regulation and promote positive behaviour.

Assist teachers in delivering differentiated and personalised learning activities.

Support the implementation of strategies and targets identified within students' EHCPs.

Encourage independence, resilience and confidence.

Contribute to the school's therapeutic and nurturing approach.

Support students during activities across our wider school environment, including outdoor and vocational learning.

Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals.

Maintain high expectations for safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and student wellbeing.

Contribute positively to the wider life and culture of the school.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Is passionate about supporting young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs.

Is patient, resilient, calm and compassionate.

Can build positive relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Has high expectations for all young people, regardless of their starting points.

Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary school team.

Is flexible and willing to adapt their approach to meet individual students' needs.

Has good communication, literacy and numeracy skills.

Understands the importance of safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality.

Is willing to undertake training and engage fully in continued professional development.

Previous experience working within SEND, SEMH, alternative provision or a specialist education setting would be advantageous, although we also welcome applications from individuals who have the right values, attitude and commitment to supporting our young people.

Why Join Changing Lives Independent School?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and developing specialist school where relationships, consistency and high expectations are central to our approach.

We offer:

A unique therapeutic and farm-based learning environment.

Small-group and personalised approaches to learning.

Regular professional development and training opportunities.

A supportive and committed staff team.

Opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience of SEND and SEMH education.

The opportunity to have a meaningful and lasting impact on young people's lives.

Safeguarding

Changing Lives Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks in accordance with statutory safeguarding requirements.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates.

If you are enthusiastic, compassionate and believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

• Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Manchester

At Changing Lives Independent School, our vision is to nurture a vibrant, inclusive learning community where every student thrives through the values of kindness, respect, and resilience.

Changing Lives Independent School is a small, nurturing independent SEND provision located in Carrington, Trafford. We currently support 67 students from Years 7 to 14, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our mission is to provide a highly personalised, engaging and aspirational education that equips young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in adulthood. We achieve this through a carefully designed curriculum that combines academic learning, practical experiences and real-world opportunities, enabling every student to discover their strengths and fulfil their potential.

We specialise in supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and recognise that positive relationships, wellbeing and emotional regulation are fundamental to successful learning. Our therapeutic approach is embedded throughout school life and is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

A distinctive feature of our provision is our animal-assisted learning programme. Through regular opportunities to work with horses and a variety of small animals, students develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and communication skills. These meaningful experiences help foster positive relationships, enhance engagement and support students' personal growth.

Our curriculum is the vehicle through which students thrive. It is carefully structured to develop knowledge, understanding and transferable skills while simultaneously nurturing confidence, independence and resilience. We place a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, communication and oracy across all curriculum areas, ensuring students are well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or independent living.

As part of our commitment to preparing students for life beyond school, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that supports students to become active citizens who can contribute positively to their communities and flourish in modern Britain. Personal development is at the heart of our provision, encompassing Citizenship, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), British Values, careers education, character development, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning.

Our curriculum is further enriched through a comprehensive vocational offer, outdoor learning opportunities and practical life skills programmes, community days and charity events. These experiences enable students to apply their learning in meaningful contexts, develop independence and gain the confidence needed to navigate adult life successfully.

With small class sizes, exceptional pastoral support and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, we provide a safe, inclusive and ambitious learning environment where every student is known, valued and empowered to achieve both their personal and academic goals.

Safeguarding Statement

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Shortlisted applicants will also be required to complete a self-disclosure declaration regarding any relevant convictions, cautions or other matters that may affect their suitability to work with children.

Roles in our school are exempt the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and other statutory pre-employment checks. It is an offence to apply for roles in our school if you are barred from working with children.

Additional checks may be required for those who have lived or worked overseas.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment clearances.

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