Teaching Assistants

Oaklands School; Hungerford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Oaklands School in Hungerford is seeking compassionate Teaching Assistants to work alongside class teachers and therapists. You will deliver high-quality, personalised education for pupils with complex learning needs aged 5–16, promoting communication, independence, and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment.

You will support planned interventions, use PECS, Makaton, AAC and visual schedules, assist with personal care as needed, and contribute to safeguarding and CPD with the wider

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with complex learning needs.
• Knowledge of PECS, Makaton, AAC or visual schedules.
• Safeguarding awareness and willingness to CPD.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the teacher to implement planned learning activities and differentiated support.
• Use a range of communication approaches including PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual schedules.
• Provide calm, consistent support to help pupils with emotional regulation and transitions.
• Promote engagement through sensory strategies and positive reinforcement.
• Assist pupils with personal care, eating, and mobility as required.
• Support delivery of occupational and speech and language therapy targets as needed.
• Contribute to development and review of EHCPs and pupil profiles.
• Model safeguarding practices and reflecting on practice with CPD.

Skills

Compassionate approach

Communication

Differentiated support

Collaboration with multidisciplinary

Tools

PECS

Makaton

AAC

Job description

To support pupils with complex SEND in the classroom and during unstructured times, working under the direction of a class teacher and in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team. The role involves delivering planned interventions, supporting communication, behaviour, and engagement, and maintaining a consistent therapeutic environment., Classroom and Pupil Support

• Work closely with the teacher to implement planned learning activities and differentiated support
• Use a range of communication approaches including PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual schedules
• Provide consistent, calm support to help pupils manage emotional regulation and transitions
• Promote engagement in lessons through sensory strategies, movement breaks, and positive reinforcement
• Assist pupils with personal care, eating, and mobility, as required

Therapeutic and Behavioural Support

• Implement strategies from the Zones of Regulation and other therapeutic frameworks
• Support delivery of occupational and speech and language therapy targets
• Contribute to the development and review of EHCPs, behaviour support plans, and pupil profiles
• Actively reinforce the school's trauma-informed and autism-friendly approaches

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Follow OS' safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• Supervise pupils during transitions, break times, and off-site activities
• Support safe handling practices if trained and required
• Monitor wellbeing and engagement, and report any concerns to the class teacher or DSL

Professional Responsibilities

• Model The Oaklands Way: Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Commitment, and Creativity
• Work collaboratively with staff, families, and external professionals
• Reflect on practice and participate in CPD and school-wide training
• Maintain accurate records as directed and contribute to team meetings

We are seeking compassionate and proactive Teaching Assistants to work alongside class teachers and therapists in delivering high-quality, personalised education. You will play a key role in promoting communication, independence, and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment.

At Oaklands School (OS), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We are a therapeutic, inclusive school supporting children aged 5-16 with complex learning needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), and a wide range of associated difficulties.