Teaching Assistant

EduTalent Group are looking for dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join our specialist school in Tunbridge Wells. This role is integral to supporting students aged 4-19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You will work primarily in the primary phase, supporting class teachers and the wider team to deliver tailored learning experiences across the Engage, Discover and Independent pathways.

Key duties include:

• Assisting with planning and delivering differentiated activities that meet the cognitive, sensory, communication and physical needs of pupils.
  
• Supporting pupils’ communication and independence skills, including implementing strategies devised by speech & language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
  
• Providing one-to-one and small group support, scaffolding learning, adapting resources and promoting access for all pupils.
  
• Assisting with personal care, mobility support and health/hygiene routines as required, always promoting dignity and respect.
  
• Monitoring, recording and reporting pupil progress, behaviours and emerging needs, working closely with the class teacher and SEND team.
  
• Promoting positive relationships with pupils, facilitating emotional regulation, social development and inclusion, and contributing to a safe, caring environment.
  
• Contributing to team meetings, sharing best-practice strategies and supporting colleagues in delivering inclusive practice.
  
• Upholding safeguarding, school policies, health & safety procedures and promoting the school’s values of community, respect, curiosity, perseverance, ambition and kindness.
  

Requirements Experience of working with children and young people with SEND, particularly PMLD, SLD, ASD, or equivalent.

• Excellent communication skills, including adapting style for students who are non-verbal or use alternative communication systems.
  
• Patience, resilience, energy and a positive attitude.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a dynamic specialist setting.
  
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to GCSE level.
  
• Willingness to undertake training in specialist areas such as Makaton, PECS, sensory integration, or other augmentative communication systems.
  
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
  
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs of pupils and respond accordingly.
  

Benefits The opportunity to work within a specialist, values-driven school environment where your contribution makes a real difference to children’s lives.

• Membership of a multi-disciplinary team including teachers, therapists and specialists, with access to professional development and specialist training.
  
• A supportive culture where values such as kindness, ambition and respect are embedded into daily life.
  
• Opportunities to develop your skills in a specialist SEND context and progress your career.
  
• Term-time working pattern (plus inset days) enabling a good work/life balance.
  
• Temp to perm opportunities.
  
• Enhanced safeguarding and welfare provisions and a strong, inclusive school community.