Teaching Assistant

A full-time Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant working with children who have Physical and Medical Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD) typically supports students aged 5-11 in a primary school setting. Here's a breakdown of what such a role might entail:

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supporting Students with PMLD & SLD:

   • Work with children who have significant learning disabilities, including physical and medical challenges.
   • Assist in the implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) or personal learning plans (PLPs) for each student.
   • Support students during classroom lessons, helping them engage with activities and content in a way that meets their needs.

2. Personal Care and Wellbeing:

   • Provide physical assistance to students, such as helping them with mobility, feeding, and personal hygiene if necessary.
   • Ensure the safety and comfort of the children throughout the school day.
   • Support students during lunch, break times, and in other school activities.

3. Assisting with Communication Needs:

   • Many students with SLD or PMLD may have communication difficulties, so the teaching assistant might use alternative methods such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton sign language, or assistive technology to aid communication.
   • Work closely with speech and language therapists to implement strategies.

4. Promoting Independence:

   • Support students in developing basic life skills, such as dressing, using the toilet, and other daily activities.
   • Encourage the children to engage in activities independently, with appropriate support.

5. Behavioural Support:

   • Assist in managing challenging behaviors by following behavior management strategies outlined in each child’s IEP.
   • Ensure that students are supported in a calm and structured environment, helping them to stay focused and engaged.

6. Collaborating with Other Professionals:

   • Work closely with the class teacher, special education coordinator, therapists (e.g., speech, occupational), and other support staff.
   • Attend team meetings to discuss student progress and plan for future learning.

7. Monitoring and Reporting Progress:

   • Assist in observing and recording student progress, including behavioral, academic, and social developments.
   • Provide feedback to the teacher about the child’s needs and challenges.
   • Help in creating and maintaining a positive learning environment, ensuring each child receives the appropriate support for their needs.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience: Prior experience working with children with SEN, particularly those with PMLD or SLD, is often required.
• Training: Special training or certifications in SEN support, first aid, or specific disability-related training (e.g., manual handling, autism, Makaton) can be helpful.
• Empathy and Patience: A strong ability to connect with and understand children’s needs, demonstrating empathy and patience.
• Communication: Clear communication skills, especially when using alternative methods of communication.
• Teamwork: Ability to work well in a team, collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals.
• Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt strategies to meet the needs of individual students.

This role is essential in providing children with the support they need to thrive in a school environment, helping them overcome barriers to learning and ensuring their educational and personal development is supported.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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