About us
VAL's Community is an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding organisation providing care and education for children and young people with Learning Disabilities and associated health and social conditions.
We are the only trauma recovery–based Learning Disability provider in the UK for children and young people.
Our work is guided by our SAFETY values, which underpin everything we do:
* Safeguarding – at the heart of everything we do
* Acceptance – zero tolerance for discrimination
* Focus – ensuring our ethos complements a highly regulated industry
* Emotional Resilience – building resilience together
* Teamwork – supporting collaboration at every level
* Young People – nurturing skills to achieve positive outcomes
Learn more at:
Role Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. You will provide education and organisational support to teachers, guide pupils during structured and unstructured sessions, and assist each young person in achieving their full potential. This role also involves providing personal care respectfully, in line with the school's values, policies, and commitment to equality of opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide tailored support to pupils with diverse SEN/ALN needs, ensuring inclusion in all aspects of school life.
* Work closely with teachers and therapists to implement strategies from Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
* Support pupils' social, emotional, and educational development through empathetic and creative approaches.
* Assist with differentiated classroom activities, therapies, and interventions to encourage independence and progress.
* Contribute to monitoring, tracking, and recording pupil progress using school systems.
Qualifications & Training
* Essential: Minimum GCSEs (or equivalent)
* Desirable: QCF Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent)
* Additional training in SEN, behaviour support, communication strategies (e.g. PECS, Makaton), or therapeutic approaches would be advantageous.
Experience
* Previous experience supporting pupils with SEN/ALN – highly desirable.
* Experience in a specialist setting or supporting children with autism, speech and language needs, or social, emotional, and mental health needs – an advantage.
Personal Qualities
* A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEN.
* Patience, resilience, and empathy.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Equal Opportunities
VAL's Community is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £20,353.40-£21,664.40 per year
Application question(s):
* Are you able to travel to and from the place of work without disruption to your working or contracted hours?
* Do you require any reasonable adjustments to be able to conduct the role you are applying for? Please speak to our recruitment team if so.
* All of our staff will be trained in physical intervention. As a last resort, we have to use physical blocks and restraints. Please confirm that you are willing to undertake this aspect of the role.
* Are you over 21 years old?
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* SEN: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person