SEND Teaching Assistant

Xede Recruitment

Make a Difference Every Day

Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career?
We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing specialist education team. As student numbers increase, we're expanding – and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.
This Teaching Assistant role is very different from a mainstream TA position. You'll be working with students aged 5–19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and, in many cases, behaviours that challenge. You'll help them access therapy-based education, develop essential life skills and achieve the highest level of independence possible, preparing them for life beyond school or college.
What the Role Involves
  • Small classes of 8–13 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
  • Supporting core subjects (literacy, numeracy and PSHE) alongside daily living skills.
  • Helping students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols and communication aids through a multi-sensory approach.
  • Providing guidance when students feel anxious, emotional or frustrated, supporting them to manage their feelings and behaviour.
  • Working as part of a skilled, dedicated and supportive team with comprehensive training and mentoring.
Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.
Training and Development Learning never stops.
All Teaching Assistants take part in a twice-weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a fully funded Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification approved by the CPD Standards Office.
Before you start, you'll complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support training as part of your induction. Ongoing refresher training and support from on-site tutors will help you grow your confidence and skills throughout your career.
What You'll Bring Previous experience isn't essential—we'll provide all the training you need. What matters most is your empathy, compassion, resilience and a positive, can-do attitude.
You'll also need:
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Common sense and the ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
  • Strong communication skills with children, families and professionals.
  • Patience and calmness when supporting young people with complex needs.
  • The mental, physical and emotional resilience required for this rewarding role.
You should also be willing to provide personal care where required.
Working Hours 36 hours per week
  • Monday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
  • Friday: 8:30am – 3:45pm
  • 30 minutes of weekly administration time
Part-time applications (minimum three days per week) may be considered, although reduced daily hours cannot be accommodated.
Salary and Progression Teaching Assistant salary (term time, 39 weeks plus CPD days):
  • £21,599–£22,462 (£25,183–£26,189 FTE)
Progression to Senior Teaching Assistant is available following completion of the funded apprenticeship and two years' service:
  • £23,337–£25,632 (£27,209–£29,884 FTE)
Further progression opportunities include Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:
  • Unqualified HLTA: £26,532 (£29,884 FTE)
  • Qualified HLTA: £29,600 (£34,511 FTE)
Benefits We offer a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace focused on your wellbeing and professional development.
Benefits include:
  • Fully funded, nationally recognised Teaching Assistant qualification.
  • £1,000 retention bonus.
  • Life Assurance and Medical Cash Plan (after qualifying period).
  • Annual Team Teach refresher training.
  • Personalised CPD and regular one-to-one support.
  • Free hot lunch during term time.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing and counselling support.
  • Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health services.
  • A spacious, semi-rural campus with extensive outdoor grounds.
How to Apply We accept CVs for an initial review. However, in line with safer recruitment practices, a fully completed application form will be required before interview.
Recruitment is ongoing, and interviews will be arranged as suitable applications are received.
Please note that applications requiring visa sponsorship cannot be considered.
Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

Permanent Positions
 
eXede Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency and the successful applicant will be employed directly by our client. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and full applicant vetting processes will be carried out, including enhanced DBS checks Childrens and/or Adults Barred List checks included for any applications made.  This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
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