SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Meldreth, Hertfordshire, UK. 

Contract Type: Full-time - 40 hrs a week - 

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience - £85-£100 a day. 

Start Date: ASAP or January 2025. 

Our Partnership school is a forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs.

'We are committed to nurturing an inclusive, safe, and positive learning environment. As part of our mission, we are looking for a skilled and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant with a specialization in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to join our dedicated team.'

Job Summary: As an SEN Teaching Assistant with expertise in Autism support, you will play an essential role in assisting students with ASD to access learning and development opportunities tailored to their needs. You will work collaboratively with teachers and other staff members to implement structured routines, communication tools, and behavior management strategies that enhance the learning experience for each child.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support students with Autism, adapting educational resources and methods to engage their unique learning styles and needs.
• Provide consistent routines and a structured environment to support emotional and sensory regulation.
• Assist in developing individualized learning plans that address specific needs, including communication, social skills, and sensory sensitivities.
• Employ autism-specific tools, including visual aids, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, or other communication methods.
• Promote positive social interactions and help students navigate peer relationships.
• Respond to challenging behaviors calmly and effectively, fostering a safe, respectful environment.
• Provide personal care as needed, including toileting, hygiene, and other daily support tasks.
• Monitor student progress and maintain detailed records, sharing observations with teachers, parents, and other professionals.

About You:

We are seeking an individual who is calm under pressure, patient, and genuinely dedicated to supporting children with autism. You should be comfortable working with a range of autism-specific needs, including but not limited to:

• Communication Challenges: Supporting students who may rely on alternative communication methods.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Awareness of sensory needs, using techniques to reduce sensory overload and stress.
• Social Interaction Needs: Helping students understand social cues and facilitating social connections.
• Routine and Structure: Assisting students who thrive on routines, understanding the importance of consistency.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special educational needs is desirable, but not always essential.
• Knowledge of autism support techniques, including the use of visual schedules, sensory tools, and communication aids.
• Ability to remain patient, empathetic, and calm, especially in challenging situations.
• Comfortable with providing personal care, including toileting support and hygiene assistance.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented approach.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism, we encourage you to apply.