Job description
Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Poole
Salary: £ – £ per hour (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in their journey towards vocational skills and independence?
GSL Education are seeking a dedicated Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant to join schools based in Poole. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on learning environments and can make a positive difference in the lives of learners. Ideally, you will hold a valid driving licence and be willing to drive.
About the School:
The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils.
About the Role:
As a Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be part of a supportive team committed to developing both the academic and practical skills of students with diverse needs. You have to provide service in a nurturing and inclusive setting where learners are encouraged to build vocational skills through practical subjects such as horticulture, animal care, catering, construction, and outdoor learning.
Main Duties of a Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):
* Provide tailored 1:1 and small group support to students with SEN across a range of vocational subjects.
* Assist with lesson delivery in practical areas such as animal care, outdoor learning, construction, or catering.
* Help students develop independence, confidence, and employability skills.
* Encourage positive behaviour management and provide emotional and social support when required.
* Support teachers in planning and adapting lessons to meet the needs of individual learners.
* Assist in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment both in the classroom and during outdoor or practical sessions.
* Drive learners when needed to off-site vocational learning placements (if required).
Requirements for a Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant:
* Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally in an SEN or vocational setting.
* CACHE Level 2/3, NVQ Level 2/3 in Childcare/Teaching Assistance, or relevant qualifications are desirable but not essential.
* A valid driving licence and willingness to drive is highly preferable.
* Strong communication, patience, and adaptability skills.
* Ability to inspire and encourage learners with additional needs to achieve their potential.
Why choose GSL?
* Competitive rates of pay.
* Flexible working opportunities (full-time/part-time).
* Ongoing professional development and support.
* A chance to make a real impact in the lives of young learners.
To work with GSL Education as a Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant, you should:
* Have the right to work in the UK.
* Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from within the last 2 years.
* Have a DBS registered to the update service or be happy to apply for one with GSL Education.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.
As an ethical, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.
For more information or to register your interest in the "Vocational SEN Teaching Assistant" role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.