SEND Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children with additional needs?

Widewell Primary Academy is seeking a caring, dedicated and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them achieve their full potential both academically and socially.

Working under the direction of the SENCO, you will provide high-quality, tailored support to pupils with SEND, particularly those accessing targeted provision. You will play a key role in promoting inclusion, supporting emotional wellbeing, and helping create positive learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children in a primary school setting.
• Has experience supporting pupils with SEND.
• Demonstrates a positive and nurturing approach to behaviour management.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build positive relationships with pupils, families, staff and external professionals.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Is able to work both independently and as part of a supportive team.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who:

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
• Have SEND-specific training.
• Are ELSA or Trauma-Informed trained.
• Have experience of therapeutic approaches or Forest School provision.
• Have knowledge of phonics programmes such as Read Write Inc.

In return, we offer:

• A welcoming and supportive school community.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children with SEND.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A committed and experienced staff team dedicated to inclusive practice.
• The chance to work within a school that values every child and promotes high aspirations for all.

About the School

Widewell Primary is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive one form entry school who values all of our staff. We have high expectations, but also prioritise staff well being and always look at ways that we can collaborate and work smarter to achieve the best outcomes for our children. Our school is set amongst 12 acres of playgrounds, fields and woodland areas which benefits our whole community. Our location, wonderful children and families as well as our fantastic staff make Widewell Primary a great place to work.

About the Trust

The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will… work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools within the trust sharing resources, expertise and knowledge.

Further information about the position, the trust and the benefits we offer can be found in the attached recruitment pack.

To request a tour of the school or to discuss the role in anyway please contact the school on 01752 778796.

If you believe you can demonstrate the dedication, skills and passion required, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note, the closing date is for guidance only. Successful applicants will be invited to interview at the earliest available opportunity. Learning Academies Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.