Primary Teaching Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
Location: Kidderminster
Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Are you a patient, resilient, and dedicated individual with a passion for supporting young learners with autism?
Do you thrive in a nurturing and therapeutic environment where you can make a real difference?
We are a specialist independent school dedicated to providing a high-quality, personalised education for primary-aged children with a range of special educational needs, including a significant focus on supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Our school is a vibrant and supportive community where we celebrate individuality and empower every child to reach their full potential.
We are seeking to appoint a compassionate and experienced Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated Primary Team. In this rewarding role, you will work closely with our class teachers to create a calm, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for our pupils. Your understanding of autism and your ability to form strong, positive relationships will be key to helping our students to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support the educational and personal development of pupils with autism and other special educational needs, both in small groups and on a one-to-one basis.
* Assist the class teacher in the planning and delivery of engaging and differentiated lessons that are tailored to the individual needs of our pupils.
* Implement a range of communication strategies, such as PECS and Makaton, to support non-verbal and semi-verbal pupils.
* Foster a positive and nurturing classroom environment that promotes a sense of safety and belonging.
* Support pupils with their emotional regulation and implement individualised behaviour support plans with a calm and consistent approach.
* Assist with the personal care needs of pupils, where required, with dignity and respect.
* Prepare learning resources and contribute to creating a visually supportive and autism-friendly classroom.
* Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of therapists, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each child's development.
* Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and contribute to review meetings.
The successful candidate will have:
* Proven experience of working with children with Autism Spectrum Condition is essential.
* A genuine passion for supporting children with special educational needs.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
* A patient, empathetic, and resilient nature.
* The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
* Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning) are desirable but not essential for candidates with significant experience.
What we can offer you:
* The opportunity to work in a forward-thinking and supportive school with a strong sense of community.
* A commitment to your professional development with ongoing training opportunities.
* A rewarding role where you can make a significant and positive impact on the lives of young children.
* A competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are an enthusiastic and committed individual with the experience and passion to support our primary pupils with autism, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to hear more, please apply now and someone will get straight back to you, or call Paul Hirchfield on 01293 527416