New Directions are seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Partington. The school supports children and young people aged 8–25 with complex needs, including pupils who are non-verbal and wheelchair users. Pupils are currently working at an EYFS level, so the successful candidate will need a good understanding of how to adapt learning and communication to meet their individual needs.
This is a full-time role starting ASAP with the opportunity to become permanent for the right person. The school will be relocating to Altrincham at Christmas, so the successful candidate must be a driver with access to their own transport and be able to travel to the new site.
The Role
Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEND.
Supporting pupils aged 8–25 who are working at an EYFS level.
Supporting pupils who are non-verbal and have significant communication needs.
Using communication systems such as PECS to support pupils’ understanding and expression.
Supporting pupils with their learning, communication, social development and independence.
Adapting activities and resources to suit individual learning needs.
Supporting pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation.
Providing appropriate support for wheelchair users and pupils with physical needs.
Supporting personal care where required.
Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and encouraging independence.
Working closely with teachers, therapists and the wider school team.
Following individual education, care and support plans.
The Candidate
Previous experience working with children or young people with complex SEND is essential.
Experience supporting non-verbal pupils and pupils with significant communication needs.
A good understanding of PECS or other alternative communication systems.
Experience supporting pupils with autism, learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning needs would be beneficial.
Understanding of how to support pupils working at an EYFS level, regardless of their age.
Experience supporting wheelchair users and pupils with physical needs is desirable.
Comfortable supporting personal care where required.
Patient, consistent and able to adapt their approach to individual needs.
Able to use visual supports and communication strategies effectively.
Strong understanding of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
Must be a driver with access to their own vehicle due to the school relocating to Altrincham at Christmas.
Available to start ASAP and interested in a temp-to-perm opportunity.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
A dedicated and expert Account Manager
Regular and varied supply work
Competitive rates of pay
Potential long-term teaching roles
Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
A network of branches across the UK
Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
Recommend-a-friend scheme
Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment
Business in relation
to this vacancy.