SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Southport, Merseyside
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only

We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist further education college in Southport, supporting young people and young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The role involves providing tailored 1:1 and small group support to students with a range of additional needs, helping them access learning, develop essential life skills, build confidence and prepare for greater independence and adulthood.

Students may have a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), complex needs, physical disabilities, communication difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

The successful candidate will have experience supporting young people with SEND and a genuine passion for inclusive education, personal development and helping students achieve their individual goals.

Provide Individual and Small Group Support: Deliver tailored 1:1 and small group assistance, adapting support to meet students' individual learning, communication and developmental needs.

Support Learning and Development: Assist tutors in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities, supporting students to access their individual learning programmes and achieve their personal targets.

Promote Independence and Life Skills: Encourage students to develop essential everyday skills, including communication, personal organisation, decision-making, self-care and independent living.

Support Employability and Preparation for Adulthood: Help students develop practical, social and vocational skills that prepare them for adulthood, further education, supported employment and community participation.

Promote Inclusion and Engagement: Create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, confidence, self-expression and personal achievement.

Social, Emotional and Behavioural Support: Support students with emotional regulation, social interaction and positive behaviour, using appropriate strategies and following individual behaviour support plans.

Communication Support: Assist students with communication needs, using appropriate resources, visual aids, communication systems and alternative methods where required.

Work Collaboratively: Work closely with tutors, learning support teams, therapists, pastoral staff and other professionals to deliver consistent and effective support.

Monitor and Record Progress: Observe, monitor and record students' engagement, behaviour, development and progress towards individual learning and EHCP outcomes.

Personal Care and Physical Support: Provide personal care, mobility and physical assistance where required, always maintaining students' dignity, privacy, safety and independence.

Support Community-Based Learning: Accompany and support students during educational visits, practical activities and community-based learning experiences where required.

• Previous experience supporting young people or adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ideally within a specialist school, college or similar setting.
• Understanding of a range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, PMLD, complex needs, physical disabilities, communication difficulties and SEMH.
• A patient, caring and empathetic approach, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people and adults.
• Ability to encourage independence, confidence, communication and personal development.
• Good communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow individual learning plans, EHCP outcomes, risk assessments and support strategies.
• Willingness to undertake personal care and physical support duties where required.
• Flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting students in classroom, practical and community settings.
• An enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable:

• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care or a related subject.
• Experience working in a specialist SEN college or post-16 education setting.
• Training or experience in autism awareness, positive behaviour support, safeguarding, manual handling, first aid or communication strategies.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Full-time, term-time working pattern.
• Ongoing professional development and specialist SEND training opportunities.
• Experience within a supportive and inclusive specialist college environment.
• Opportunities to develop skills in further education and specialist learning support.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives by supporting their independence, confidence, skills and transition into adulthood.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'