Teaching Assistant

Every behaviour tells us something. Can you help us listen? Bridge Academy is looking for Teaching Assistants who believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to feel successful in education. We work with children and young people who, for many different reasons, may have found it difficult to engage, attend or thrive within education. Our job is not simply to respond to the behaviour we see. We work hard to understand what sits behind it, identify the barriers a young person is experiencing and provide the right support to help them move forward. “Behaviour talks, we listen. Together.” As a Teaching Assistant at Bridge Academy, you will build strong, professional relationships with young people, help them reconnect with learning and support them to develop the confidence, skills and strategies they need to succeed. For many of our pupils, Bridge is one stage of their educational journey rather than their final destination. We therefore place a strong emphasis on progress, independence and successful transition or reintegration into the most appropriate next setting.

The Role

Working alongside teachers, pathway teams and other professionals, you will support individual pupils and small groups to access learning and make progress. The role is varied. At different points you may be helping a pupil settle into their day, supporting them to engage with a lesson, working through a barrier to learning, helping them regulate following a difficult experience or encouraging them to take the next step towards greater independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

Building positive, consistent and trusting relationships with young people. Looking beyond presenting behaviour to help understand the need, barrier or communication behind it. Supporting pupils to engage positively with learning and develop confidence as learners. Providing individual and small-group support within lessons and planned activities. Adapting resources, breaking learning into manageable steps and using modelling, prompting and scaffolding appropriately. Supporting pupils to develop strategies for regulation, communication, problem-solving and independence. Helping pupils experience predictable routines, clear boundaries and consistent adult responses. Recognising changes in presentation, engagement or wellbeing and sharing these appropriately with colleagues. Supporting pupils through transitions between activities, pathways, settings and, where appropriate, back into mainstream education. Recording observations and providing useful feedback which helps the team understand what is working for each pupil. Supporting educational visits, enrichment activities and learning beyond the classroom. Working collaboratively with teachers, mentors, safeguarding staff, families and professionals from across education, health and other services. Contributing to a culture where safeguarding, belonging, aspiration and high expectations are everyone’s responsibility. Who We Are Looking For We are looking for people who are calm, curious and consistent. You do not need to have all the answers. You do need to be willing to ask, “What is this young person communicating, and what can we do differently to help?”

You will be someone who:

Believes that behaviour should be understood, not simply managed. Can build positive relationships while maintaining clear and professional boundaries. Remains calm and thoughtful when situations become challenging. Has high expectations of young people, even when their previous experiences of education have been difficult. Understands that consistency and predictability can make a significant difference to a young person’s ability to engage. Is prepared to adapt their approach according to the needs of the child in front of them. Can work effectively as part of a team and contribute to shared plans for pupils. Understands that successful support should build independence rather than dependency. Values education as an important part of improving a young person’s future opportunities. Is reflective and willing to learn from colleagues, training and experience. Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Experience of working with children or young people in education, Alternative Provision, SEND, youth work, family support, pastoral support or a similar setting would be welcomed, but equally important is your ability to connect with young people and your commitment to our approach. Working at Bridge Bridge Academy is an Alternative Provision academy supporting pupils across a range of ages, circumstances and educational pathways. Our pupils arrive at Bridge for different reasons and with different experiences. Some require a short period of targeted support before returning to their mainstream school. Others may need a longer period with us or support to move successfully to another educational destination. We therefore avoid assuming that one approach will work for every pupil. We seek to understand each young person’s starting point, identify what is getting in the way of successful engagement and provide an educational offer which responds to that need. This means working closely with the young person, their family, their school and the wider professionals around them. Our ambition is not simply for pupils to cope while they are at Bridge. We want them to leave us better equipped to succeed in whatever comes next. When Things Are Difficult Working within Alternative Provision can be demanding. Some young people may communicate distress, frustration or unmet need through withdrawal, refusal, challenging language, damage to property or behaviour which places themselves or others at risk. Our response is built around understanding, regulation, consistency, repair and learning. You will receive appropriate training to help you respond safely and confidently. Where physical intervention is required, this is used only when necessary, as a last resort and in accordance with training, policy and safeguarding expectations. We expect adults to remain curious about what has happened, reflect on what can be learned and work together to reduce the likelihood of situations being repeated. Professional Development We want staff at Bridge to continue developing their understanding and practice. You will have access to training and professional development relating to areas such as safeguarding, behaviour and regulation, relational and trauma-informed practice, SEND, teaching and learning and the particular needs of pupils within Alternative Provision. You will also work alongside colleagues with a wide range of professional experience and expertise. Why Join Bridge Academy? This is an opportunity to work in a setting where relationships matter and where the impact of excellent support can be significant. You will join a team which believes that children should not be defined by their behaviour, previous experiences or the circumstances which brought them to Alternative Provision. Instead, we want to understand what they need, help them reconnect with education and work alongside them and the professionals around them to create a more successful next chapter. Notice the need. Build the relationship. Keep the child connected to learning. Help them move forward. Behaviour talks, we listen. Together.

How to Apply

Due to our commitment to safer recruitment practices, we can only accept applications through My New Term. Please do not submit CVs as these will not be considered. Visits to Bridge Academy are welcomed by contacting our HR team on 01908 889400 or by emailing: hr@smkt.org.uk Stephenson (MK) Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. This commitment to robust Recruitment, Selection and Induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is required prior to commencement of this post Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should a suitable candidate be appointed. NB - Qualification Certificates, Identification and Proof to work in the UK documents are required at Interview