Role: SEND Teaching Assistant (Learning Facilitator) - Secondary
Location: Knowle DGE
Start Date: ASAP
Closing Date: 6th March 2026
Interview Date: Week of the 9th March
Hours: 32.5 per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 3:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm ,Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm, 32.5 hours per week, term time plus all inset days.
Salary: MNSP Grade 5 and scale point range 5 - 7, £ £16.08 per hour, £21,238 - £23,411 (FTE £28,142 - £31,022)
Empower Independence. Inspire Change.
We are looking for a resilient, proactive, and pupil centred Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team in South Bristol.
In our Upper School department, the focus shifts toward preparation for adulthood. Our students face various barriers to learning, including SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs, ASD, and MLD. We need a Learning Facilitator who can bridge the gap between academic curriculum and the real-world skills our teenagers need to succeed.
Why Knowle DGE is the Right Move for You:
* Make a Tangible Impact: You will be a key figure in helping young people navigate the complexities of adolescence while managing their specialist educational needs.
* Community Heart: Knowle DGE is deeply embedded in the local community. You'll be part of a supportive staff network that values humor, hard work, and mutual respect.
* Diverse Opportunities: From supporting vocational workshops to assisting with GCSE/functional skills prep, no two days in our Upper School are the same.
The Role
Your mission is to support our Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 students in becoming confident, independent learners. You will:
* Academic Support: Work under the guidance of teachers to deliver 1:1 and small group interventions, helping students access the curriculum and prepare for assessments.
* Vocational & Life Skills: Assist in practical learning environments, including off-site trips and extra-curricular activities that build self-reliance.
* Behaviour Mentoring: Use specialised strategies to manage conflict, promote positive choices, and act as a consistent, calm role model.
* Target Driven: Contribute to the development of student profiles (EHCPs, PSPs) and track progress against individual intervention plans.
About You
We need someone who understands that "behaviour is communication" and has the patience to see the potential in every student.
Essential Requirements:
* Experience: Proven experience working with young people (Secondary age/KS3/KS4 is highly desirable).
* Education: NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants (or equivalent) and a solid foundation in English and Maths.
* Tech-Savvy: Competent in using ICT (Microsoft Office/Google Suite) to support modern learning.
* Team Player: Ability to work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and parents and carers to provide a holistic support system.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of various SEN needs (SEMH, SLCN, ASD).
* Experience with exam invigilation.
* A clean driving licence to support our community-based learning initiatives.
There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is generous annual leave entitlement, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, free eye tests for VDU users and employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals such as the Blue Light Card offering savings on shopping, travel, and leisure.
We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.