Teaching assistant

Five Education; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational recruitment agency is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) at a special school in Taunton. The ideal candidate should be emotionally resilient and possess strong communication skills. Responsibilities include assisting pupils in their daily activities, helping them remain focused, and providing tailored support according to individual needs. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, be able to provide references, and hold a current DBS check. Training and support will be provided.

Benefits

Free specialized training

Free DBS refund after 20 days

Recommending a friend bonus scheme

Specialist support/mentoring

Qualifications

• Previous experience in supporting individuals with SEND such as autism is desirable.
• Must hold a current DBS check or be willing to apply for one.
• Must be able to provide two recent references.

Responsibilities

• Assisting pupils throughout the day, helping them to remain focused.
• Guiding pupils when struggling to help them calm down.
• Supporting students both in group and one-on-one settings.
• Tailoring lesson activities to students' ability levels.

Skills

Emotionally resilient

Strong communication skills

Ability to build rapport with young people

Job description

Overview

Five Education are recruiting a Teaching Assistant for a special school in Taunton. The role is to support identified pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) and/or mental health challenges. This work will be supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups. Previous experience in supporting individuals with SEND such as autism and an ability to manage challenging behaviour is desirable. The right person for this role will be kind, compassionate, patient and resilient.

Responsibilities

• Assisting pupils throughout the day, helping them to remain focussed and on task.
• Guiding the pupils when they are struggling, and helping them to become regulated and calm.
• Supporting students in both group and 1:1 capacities.
• Helping the students to access the curriculum and tailor the lesson activity to their level of ability.

Who We're Looking For

• Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in challenging situations.
• Strong communicator with a positive and proactive mindset.
• Able to build rapport with young people, particularly those who may struggle to trust adults.
• Previous experience isn't essential, but backgrounds in youth work, care, mental health, sport, or support work are valuable.

Essential Requirements

• 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. 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 Five Education can 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.

EEO Statement

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.

Contact

Contact Joseph on (phone number removed) / (url removed)