Job description
SEN Teaching Assistant – Poole
Location: Poole, Dorset
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full Time, Permanent opportunity available for the right candidate
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding new opportunity where you can genuinely make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people?
GSL Education are currently recruiting for a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Poole. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a supportive and experienced team, with a permanent position available for the right person following a successful period.
The school provides specialist education for children and young people aged 4–19 with a wide range of additional needs. Pupils may have autism, moderate or severe learning difficulties, speech and language needs, communication difficulties, sensory needs and social, emotional and mental health needs. The school takes an individualised approach, creating bespoke learning packages designed around each pupil's needs, development and future independence.
This is a role where the right person can have a real and lasting impact.
The Role
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to support pupils both academically and pastorally.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN.
- Supporting pupils to access learning and develop their confidence and independence.
- Helping to manage behaviour positively and consistently.
- Supporting pupils with communication, social and emotional development.
- Encouraging positive relationships and creating a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment.
- Supporting pupils with personal development and life skills where appropriate.
- Following individual support plans and adapting your approach to meet different needs.
- Working closely with teachers, SEN staff and other professionals to ensure pupils receive consistent support.
- Celebrating small steps and helping pupils achieve their individual goals.
What We're Looking For
Due to the vulnerable nature of the pupils within the setting, previous experience working with children or young people with SEN is essential.
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience supporting individuals with:
- Autism / ASD
- Moderate or severe learning difficulties
- Speech, language and communication needs
- SEMH
- Complex or additional needs
- Challenging behaviour
- Sensory needs
Your experience does not necessarily have to come from a school. Transferable experience from residential care, youth work, healthcare, social care, support work or similar environments will also be considered, provided you can demonstrate a genuine understanding of supporting vulnerable children or young people.
Above all, we're looking for someone who is:
- Patient, calm and empathetic.
- Resilient and emotionally intelligent.
- Confident supporting children with complex needs.
- Consistent in their approach to behaviour and boundaries.
- Passionate about helping young people reach their potential.
- A strong communicator and team player.
- Reliable, proactive and willing to learn.
Why Work with GSL Education?
At GSL Education, we pride ourselves on doing more than simply finding you a job. Our experienced consultants have a wealth of knowledge within the education sector and a proven track record of matching educators with schools where they can thrive and build long-term careers.
When you work with GSL, you'll have:
- A dedicated and experienced consultant supporting you throughout the process.
- Honest advice about the schools and roles we work with.
- Full support from initial application through to interview and beyond.
- Interview preparation and guidance to help you put your best foot forward.
- Support with your DBS and compliance process.
- Access to permanent, long-term and temporary education opportunities.
- A consultant who takes the time to understand your experience and career goals.
Interested?
If you're an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and one of our experienced GSL Education consultants will be in touch to discuss the role, the school and the next steps.
GSL Education – Matching educators to the right schools for long-term success.
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to relevant safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.