Teaching Assistant

EmpowerED; Slough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

EmpowerED in Slough is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join a large specialist SEND school serving children and young people aged 2–19 with autism, learning difficulties and complex needs. You’ll work in a small specialist class, helping pupils access an individualised curriculum and progress at their own pace.

The school emphasises five areas—communication, cognition, independence, physical development and self-care—so learning is tailored to each pupil.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND settings is preferred.
• Patience, resilience and adaptability in a dynamic classroom.
• Ability to work 1:1 and in small groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group SEND support.
• Support pupils with autism and other complex needs.
• Develop communication and interaction skills.
• Assist with sensory regulation and emotional well-being.
• Work with teachers and therapists to implement programmes.
• Encourage independence and daily living skills.

Skills

SEND support

1:1 support

Small group

Job description

EmpowerED is recruiting for a Teaching Assistant in Slough to join a large, well-established specialist SEND school supporting children and young people aged 2–19 with a wide range of additional needs.

This Teaching Assistant role in Slough is an excellent opportunity to work within a genuinely specialist environment supporting pupils with autism, moderate and severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), communication needs and other complex needs.

The Teaching Assistant role

As a Teaching Assistant in Slough, you’ll work within a small specialist class team, supporting pupils to access an individualised curriculum and make progress at their own level.

The school places particular emphasis on developing five key areas: communication, cognition, independence, physical development and self-care, with learning adapted around each individual pupil.

Your day could include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group SEND support
• Supporting pupils with autism, SLD, PMLD and complex learning needs
• Developing pupils' communication and interaction skills
• Supporting sensory and emotional regulation
• Encouraging independence and essential life skills
• Supporting physical development and personal care where required
• Helping pupils access practical, engaging and sensory learning
• Implementing individual communication and therapy programmes
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals
• Celebrating the small steps that can represent huge progress for an individual pupil

Specialist SEND experience

This is a fantastic Teaching Assistant opportunity in Slough for someone who wants to develop genuine specialist SEND knowledge.

The school uses a range of approaches within its autism provision, including TEACCH, SCERTS, Attention Autism, Zones of Regulation, Intensive Interaction and sensory regulation strategies.

Speech and language support is also embedded within classrooms, with teaching assistants playing an important role in delivering individual communication programmes.

Who are we looking for?

For this Teaching Assistant vacancy in Slough, previous SEND school experience would be brilliant, but we’re also interested in people with relevant transferable skills.

You may currently work within: SEND | Care | Autism Support | Learning Disabilities | PMLD | Early Years | Support Work | Youth Work | Mental Health | Residential Care

We’re looking for someone who is patient, caring, resilient and adaptable, and who understands that every pupil will communicate, learn and progress differently.

You’ll need to be comfortable working closely with children and young people who may require significant individual support throughout their school day.

Why consider this Teaching Assistant role?

As a Teaching Assistant at this specialist school in Slough, you’ll gain experience that goes far beyond traditional classroom support.

You’ll be helping pupils develop communication, independence, emotional regulation and life skills while working alongside experienced SEND professionals.

The school supports pupils from Early Years right through to Post-16, with small classes and specialist teaching assistants allocated according to individual need.

It’s an especially strong opportunity for someone considering a longer-term career within SEND teaching, therapy, psychology, nursing or specialist education.

EmpowerED is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to our full safeguarding and compliance process, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.