SEN Teaching Assistant - Secondary School in Orpington
Location: Orpington, Kent
Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Start Date: Immediate
Duration: Long-term, Full-time
Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a background in supporting students with special educational needs and managing behavioural challenges? Do you have experience working in SEN schools, care homes, children’s homes, or as a support worker or even prison officer. These roles require resilience so you may be a great fit. We have an exciting opportunity at our secondary school in Orpington.
We are looking for a dedicated, confident, and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. In this long-term, full-time role, you will provide support to students with a range of special needs, including those with physical disabilities, autism, and behavioural challenges. This role may also involve assisting with mobility needs, such as pushing wheelchairs and supporting students in accessing various areas of the school.
Key Responsibilities:
*Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEN, including those with behavioural challenges, autism, and physical disabilities.
*Support students with accessing the school environment, including assisting with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs) and ensuring their safety and well-being.
*Work closely with teachers to implement tailored learning strategies and ensure students are fully engaged in their lessons.
*Help manage behavioural challenges, using de-escalation techniques to create a calm and positive learning environment.
*Collaborate with other staff to monitor student progress, well-being, and development, contributing to individual learning plans.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
*Experience working with SEN students in a mainstream or SEN school, care homes, children’s homes, or in roles such as a support worker, prison officer, or similar settings where managing behaviour is a key component.
*A calm, confident approach to behaviour management, with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations effectively.
*Ability to assist students with physical mobility needs, including pushing wheelchairs and ensuring access to various areas of the school.
*Empathy and patience, with a strong commitment to supporting students with a range of special needs.
*Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
*Experience with or a willingness to learn about SEN learners and tailored learning strategies.
What We Offer:
*A long-term, full-time role within a welcoming and supportive secondary school in Orpington.
*A rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students with special needs.
*Competitive salary and benefits.
*Ongoing professional development and training to enhance your skills in SEN support.
If you have experience in SEN settings, care homes, or similar environments where you have supported individuals with behavioural challenges, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re well-suited for this role.
This version now highlights relevant experience in settings like SEN schools, care homes, children’s homes, and other roles like support workers or prison officers, making it clear that candidates from these backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION
*All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
*Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
*You must have legal right to work in the UK
*You must be willing to attend a registration interview
Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.
Disclaimer
’Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.’