Are you passionate about supporting neurodivergent young people to thrive in a nurturing and adapted educational environment? Do you want to be part of a team building a new school culture from the ground up?
We're thrilled to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025, catering to neurodivergent young people aged 11-16. Most of our students will be coming to us from mainstream education, seeking an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a strong focus on meeting their sensory needs and supporting their emotional wellbeing. We're committed to providing a calm, safe, and nurturing environment for our equally mixed cohort of girls and boys.
This is an exceptional career opportunity for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to contribute to a pioneering school model and make a significant impact on young lives.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be integral to our students' success and wellbeing. Your role will involve:
- Establishing strong relationships with students, prioritising their wellbeing above all else.
- Proactively supporting learning in small classes, helping to personalise each young person's educational journey.
- Delivering integrated therapy strategies and interventions guided by our in-house clinical team (Clinical Psychologist, OT, SaLT) and supported by the SENCO.
- Being involved in every aspect of school life for each student.
- Giving regular feedback to parents and other professionals.
- Supporting our enrichment curriculum, which includes outdoor activities, sports (including swimming), visits, and community projects. Your enthusiasm for these activities, alongside class-based learning, is highly valued.
Duties will vary, and you'll be expected to contribute to the overall aims of our new school when required.
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking resourceful, resilient, and growth-minded individuals with a strong interest in therapeutic approaches.
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
- GCSE Maths and English Language (minimum Grade 4 or equivalent).
- A good level of written and verbal English and general education, along with IT skills.
- Empathy and resilience to work with young people who may experience high anxiety, self-harming behaviours, ARFID, disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
- Commitment to becoming a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative practitioner, with a genuine belief in this approach and continuous engagement in learning.
- Outstanding pastoral and safeguarding practice.
- Either effective experience working with young people, especially those with SEND, OR clear potential to learn quickly.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications:
- A Psychology qualification or a genuine interest in psychology.
- Successful experience supporting neurodivergent students in a teaching role.
- Working towards an L2 award in support work in schools or equivalent.
What We Offer:
This is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services with high expectations but equally high rewards! Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential, and pastoral approach.
- Small classes allowing you to establish strong, meaningful relationships with students.
- Dedicated time, support, and training to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care, and overall student wellbeing.
- The chance to work with and learn from an onsite clinical team (Clinical Psychologist, OT, SaLT), with opportunities to be involved in research supporting the neurodivergent community.
- A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families.
- Comprehensive Training and Development opportunities to enhance your skills and further your career.
- Competitive Pay and Reward package, including enhanced annual leave, company sick pay, enhanced pension scheme, and life assurance. We benchmark our pay annually.
- Save money with Perkbox! Access deals and discounts on weekly food bills, phone plans, internet, eating out, gym memberships, insurance, and more. Includes Cycle to Work and Car Schemes.
- UK Health Cash Plan covering day-to-day healthcare expenses for you and your children (with partner upgrade option).
- Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 online tools, information, and freephone counselling for your health and wellbeing.
- Refer a friend for £1,000 (*terms apply).
If you're excited by the prospect of building a truly impactful educational environment and have the empathy and resilience to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply!
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