Glendinning Teaching Assistant

To provide high-quality support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them to access learning, develop their confidence and independence, and achieve their individual educational and personal goals.

The SEN Teaching Assistant will work closely with teachers, the SENCO and other professionals to provide appropriate support for pupils both within the classroom and, where required, on an individual or small-group basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with a range of special educational needs.
• Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum by adapting activities and resources under the direction of the class teacher.
• Support pupils with communication, interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health needs, and other individual requirements.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, confidence and positive relationships with others.
• Support pupils’ emotional wellbeing and help them to regulate their emotions and behaviour.
• Implement individual support strategies and programmes as directed by teaching staff and other relevant professionals.
• Assist with the development and delivery of personalised learning activities.
• Monitor and record pupils’ progress, engagement and achievements, sharing relevant information with the class teacher and SENCO.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistent use of agreed strategies and school expectations.
• Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, educational visits and other school activities as required.
• Develop positive and respectful relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and school policies at all times.
• Assist with personal care or other practical support where this forms part of an individual pupil’s needs and is appropriate to the role.

Skills and Qualities

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Patience, empathy and a calm, positive approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build trusting and respectful relationships with pupils.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexibility and the ability to respond appropriately to individual pupils’ changing needs.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to follow instructions and agreed support plans.
• A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of SEND.
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and confidentiality.
• The ability to encourage independence while providing appropriate levels of support.

Experience and Qualifications

Previous experience of working with children or young people with SEND would be advantageous. Experience in a school, specialist education, care or support setting is also desirable.

Relevant qualifications such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant/SEN qualification are beneficial, although relevant experience, skills and attitude may also be considered.

Training may be provided in areas relevant to the needs of the pupils, including communication strategies, behaviour support, safeguarding and other specialist interventions.

Working Relationships

The SEN Teaching Assistant will work closely with:

• Class teachers
• SENCO and senior leadership
• Other teaching and support staff
• Parents and carers
• Educational and therapeutic professionals
• Other agencies involved in supporting pupils

Safeguarding

Glendinning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold safeguarding procedures, maintain professional boundaries and contribute to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be caring, reliable, patient, resilient and enthusiastic, with a genuine desire to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop their skills, confidence and independence.

They will understand that every pupil is an individual and will be committed to providing consistent, respectful and personalised support.

Safeguarding Statement

All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and must provide satisfactory references. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

How to Apply: Please send your resume/CV to roxanne.mcgill@supplyregister.uk or apply via this vacancy. 

The Supply Register is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

The Supply Register is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, including a Children’s barred list check.