Teaching Assistant: Makaton Specialist

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel are recruiting a Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant for a full-time temporary role in Kirkby, starting November 2026. The role focuses on supporting pupils with communication needs using Makaton to improve engagement and independence.

The ideal candidate will have experience with non-verbal children and a TA qualification or transferable experience, with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with teachers, the SENCO and families.

Qualifications

• Proven experience using Makaton within an educational or care setting.
• Experience supporting non-verbal children and/or pupils with SEN.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant transferable experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with communication and interaction needs.
• Use Makaton consistently to support learning, understanding and social development.
• Work alongside class teachers and the SENCO to deliver personalised support strategies.
• Encourage pupils to participate fully in classroom activities and school life.
• Support emotional regulation, confidence building and positive behaviour.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to teaching staff and parents where appropriate.
• Create a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Skills

Makaton

SEN support

Communication

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant

Location: Kirkby, L32
Start Date: November 2026
Contract: Temporary
Hours: Full Time
Pay Rate: £14.25 - £15.00 per hour (depending on experience)

Teaching Personnel are proud to be working in partnership with a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Kirkby, to recruit a dedicated Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant for a full-time role starting in November 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate and skilled Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children with communication and interaction needs. The successful candidate will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, develop meaningful relationships, and build confidence through the effective use of Makaton.

If you have experience supporting non-verbal children and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, be understood and thrive, we would love to hear from you.

About the School

This Primary School is a nurturing and community-focused setting that places inclusion and pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything it does. Staff are committed to creating a positive learning environment where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

The school has a strong ethos of collaboration, working closely with families and professionals to ensure pupils with additional needs receive the personalised support they need to succeed both academically and socially.

The Role

As a Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who have communication difficulties, including non-verbal children and those with a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN). You will use Makaton throughout the school day to support communication, engagement and emotional expression, helping pupils to access learning while developing independence and self-confidence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with communication and interaction needs.
• Using Makaton consistently to support learning, understanding and social development.
• Working alongside class teachers and the SENCO to deliver personalised support strategies.
• Encouraging pupils to participate fully in classroom activities and school life.
• Supporting emotional regulation, confidence building and positive behaviour.
• Monitoring progress and providing feedback to teaching staff and parents where appropriate.
• Creating a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is patient, enthusiastic and genuinely passionate about making a difference.

The successful applicant will have:

• Proven experience using Makaton within an educational, care or support setting.
• Experience supporting non-verbal children and/or pupils with Special Educational Needs.
• A strong understanding of communication and interaction difficulties.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• A Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant transferable experience.

Why Join This School?

• Supportive and welcoming leadership team.
• Inclusive culture where every child is valued.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on pupils' communication development.
• Collaborative SEN provision with strong professional support.
• Accessible location with excellent transport links.

Location & Accessibility

Kirkby is well connected for candidates travelling across Merseyside:

• Direct rail services from Kirkby Station provide easy access to Liverpool and surrounding areas.
• Regular bus routes serve the local community throughout the day.
• Convenient access via the M57 and A580 road networks.
• Local parking options available nearby.

Why Work Through Teaching Personnel?

When you join Teaching Personnel, you'll benefit from:

• A dedicated education recruitment consultant who understands yo