SEND Teaching Assistant

Hours: 8.45-3.30, Monday - Friday term time only. Location: We are a two-site school, deployment is based on the needs of the children and the skill of the practitioner. This vacancy is based at our Kestrel Way site in the first instance. Staff may be required to work at either site. Applications may be assessed on receipt and suitable candidates may be interviewed and appointed immediately. An early application is advised. We are a four-form entry school operating over two sites in Leighton Buzzard. With a total of over 700 pupils our school family is diverse and we are looking for a colleague to join our SEND Team. You will support children in the classroom, helping them to access the learning through adapted plans and targeted interventions . You will also support children who need time outside the classroom setting and require additional individual care. We have a matrix management structure with our SEND TAs taking direction from the SENDCo and the class teacher. We are looking for a positive, flexible member of staff . You will have experience of working in a school setting. Ideally you will have previous experience of supporting children with SEND , however training is offered to suitable candidates who wish to develop their expertise.

Main duties

Support for pupils:

• Support pupils' educational, personal, and social needs, including supporting with hygiene, dressing, feeding, and medical care where appropriate.

• Promote the inclusion of all pupils in classroom and school activities.

• Support school visits and off-site learning experiences.

Support for teachers:

• Help prepare and deliver engaging learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher and SENDco

• Contribute to the assessment and tracking of pupil progress.

• Support behaviour management and encourage positive social interactions.

Support for the curriculum:

• Assist in the delivery of core subjects and other areas of the curriculum as required.

Support for the school:

• Work collaboratively as part of a professional team.

• Participate in training, meetings, and performance development activities.

• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to all school policies and safeguarding procedures.

What we’re looking for

• Experience of working with children or young people, ideally in an educational setting.

• A caring, flexible, and proactive approach.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Commitment to the wellbeing and development of every child.

We offer you the opportunity to work as part of a committed SEND team. Our two sites provide scope for professional development and the opportunity to work with children with a variety of needs. We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who can help us better reflect the diverse ethnic backgrounds of our pupils and wider community. We operate a safer recruitment policy and follow the CBC Code of Practice. Our recruitment process includes undertaking online searches in line with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education. This post will involve regular contact with children, and therefore is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are therefore not entitled to withhold information about convictions, cautions or bind-over orders which for any other purposes are “spent” under the provisions of the Act. Any information that is “protected” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 will not appear on a DBS certificate and does not need to be declared. Guidance on this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974 Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration related to their criminal record or any information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Additional checks in relation to the Childcare Disqualification Regulations will be undertaken for successful candidates. If you have lived or worked outside of the UK, additional information may be required from you to satisfy safer recruitment checks.