SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School

South Hams Source: WhatJobs

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Are You Our Next Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant?

Do you believe that behaviour is a form of communication? Are you passionate about building relationships with children based on empathy, playfulness, acceptance, and curiosity?

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our team, working with students who have complex SEND needs , including SEMH, Cognition and Learning, ASC, and Attachment Difficulties .

We're not just looking for a TA; we're looking for an adult who is committed to a trauma-informed approach , seeing beyond the behaviour to support the whole child. You will be a vital part of our school community, modelling the positive behaviour we expect and supporting our students through both academic and emotional challenges.

The Role: What You'll Be Doing

Working under the direction of Senior Staff, you will provide essential support to students and staff across all areas of school life, including Learning Outside the Classroom.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Relationship Building: Fostering positive relationships with students, consistently using a trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive approach to communication and behaviour regulation.
Learning Support: Assisting students in accessing learning activities across the curriculum, promoting independence, and encouraging co-operative work.
Emotional Support: Providing support for children who are in crisis, recording achievement/progress, and supporting the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Provision Maps .
Wider Teamwork: Working with external agencies (Educational Psychologists, Health and Social Care Professionals), communicating regularly with staff and parents/carers, and contributing to the overall positive ethos of the school.
Practical Assistance: Preparing and maintaining resources, assisting with the supervision of students during on and off-site activities, and undertaking duties with the Pupil and Family Support Team.
Care and Safety: Promoting and ensuring the health and safety of pupils, carrying out intimate care and administering medicines to identified individuals (within an agreed safeguarding structure), and, as a last resort, using restrictive physical intervention in line with school policy.

What We're Looking For: Skills & Qualities

This role requires energy, resilience, and a solution-focused attitude, as you will be exposed to high levels of emotional dysregulation and challenging child protection/welfare issues.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

GCSEs (grades A-C) in Maths and English, or equivalent.
Relevant experience supporting children with complex SEND needs including SEMH, Cognition and Learning, ASC and Attachment Difficulties .

Desirable:

NVQ Level 3 in Supported Teaching and Learning, or equivalent.
Experience of working with pupils with SEMH or other SEN in a school or other setting.

The Personal Qualities That Set You Apart:

Patience, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy with and for the children.
Resilience, energy, and a solution-focused attitude .
A strong work ethic, punctuality, and reliability.
A committed team player with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Why Join Our School?

You will be part of a team that is dedicated to supporting your professional growth through regular training, learning activities, and performance development. We are committed to a compassionate, evidence-based approach to education and care.

Ready to use playfulness, acceptance, and curiosity to change a child's life?

To be considered, please contact Hannah: