Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Northampton. We are looking for a warm, patient and motivated individual who enjoys working with young people and is committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning.

The position is full time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm, with the opportunity to start as soon as possible.

Working with students aged 11-18, you will provide practical, educational and emotional support to young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. You will work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to help each student make progress, develop their confidence and achieve greater independence.

Your Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide individual, small-group and classroom-based support to students with additional learning needs.

• Encourage students to participate fully in lessons and school activities.

• Assist with literacy, numeracy, ICT and other areas of the curriculum.

• Modify tasks, resources and activities to make learning accessible to individual students.

• Support students in achieving their learning, behaviour and personal development targets.

• Encourage positive relationships, appropriate social interaction and constructive behaviour.

• Help students develop practical life skills, confidence and independence.

• Provide personal care assistance when required, including toileting, personal hygiene and support during meals.

• Assist students who require mobility support, including those using wheelchairs, walking aids, standing frames or hoists, following relevant training.

• Work alongside trained staff when students require medical or healthcare support.

• Follow appropriate procedures when a student becomes unwell or sustains an injury.

• Use calm, consistent and positive approaches when supporting students with behavioural or emotional difficulties.

• Assist with supervision during breaks, lunchtime, school trips, visits and other activities.

• Observe students' progress, maintain accurate records and communicate relevant information to teaching staff.

• Contribute to student reviews, individual profiles and records of achievement.

• Promote a school environment where every student is treated with dignity, equality and respect.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to supporting young people with SEND.

• An understanding of the diverse needs of children and young people with additional needs.

• A caring, patient and non-judgemental approach.

• The ability to remain calm and professional when faced with challenging situations.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• The ability to establish positive and trusting relationships with students.

• Confidence in providing personal care where required.

• A willingness to work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other professionals.

• The ability to use initiative while also following guidance, policies and procedures.

• Flexibility and enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills.

• Competent literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

• A clear understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.

• A strong commitment to inclusion, equality, dignity and respect.

Make a Difference

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real and positive contribution to the lives of young people, this could be an excellent opportuni