SEND Teaching Assistant

About the school

Birkdale School is located in Sheffield and maintains a strong Christian ethos. The school operates a small, supportive team that includes a SENDCO, Assistant SENDCO, SEND Teacher and SEND Teaching Assistants, all working to ensure every child can flourish and achieve their full potential.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join the team. This is a one-year fixed-term post, subject to funding, based at the Senior School on Oakholme Road. The position is term-time only, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm, and is primarily to support an individual pupil in line with their EHCP provision. Teaching Assistants help provide a stable, secure and stimulating environment that supports pupils’ social, emotional, academic and physical development.

• Provide tailored in-class support for pupils with SEND to ensure access to the curriculum.
• Collaborate with teachers to modify resources and differentiate instruction to meet individual learning needs.
• Deliver targeted 1:1 interventions addressing academic, emotional and behavioural needs as outlined in the pupil’s EHCP.
• Use assistive technology and appropriate resources to support learning, communication, sensory needs and emotional regulation.
• Promote inclusion and foster independence while ensuring safe integration into classroom and social activities with peers.
• Monitor pupil progress academically, socially and emotionally, maintain accurate records using provision mapping software, and provide feedback to the SENDCo, teaching staff and parents.
• Support the development and implementation of One Page Profiles and contribute to review meetings.
• Work closely with the Class Teacher, SENDCo and external professionals to implement and track progress against individual targets.
• Assist with managing challenging behaviour in accordance with school policies and provide emotional support to help pupils develop coping strategies.
• Support planning for transitions and changes in school routines.
• Provide regular updates to teachers and the SENDCo and participate in relevant meetings, training and planning sessions.

• Demonstrated understanding of autism and related practice.
• GCSE passes in Maths and English.
• Evidence of study beyond Level 2.
• Excellent communication skills, flexibility and reliability.
• Ability to work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues, within organisational procedures and to required standards.
• Capacity to relate effectively to parents and pupils.
• Resilience and ability to work well under pressure.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to the protection of children and young people.
• Flexibility to attend inset days and twilight training as required.
• Sympathy with the strong Christian ethos of the school.
• Previous experience working in a school with autistic children or pupils with special educational needs, a Teaching Assistant qualification, knowledge of the independent sector and additional SEND-related training are desirable.

• Salary at point 24 of the Birkdale non-teaching pay scale (£27,608), pro-rated for term-time only to £23,906.
• Private salary sacrifice pension scheme with 6% employer contribution.
• Pro-rated remission of school fees up to 71.6% for full-time staff.
• Company sick pay scheme providing full pay for up to three months in any twelve-month period, with 50% income protection thereafter.
• Death in service benefit and access to wellbeing support including 24/7 remote GP appointments, mental health support, physiotherapy, personal training and nutrition consultations.
• Lunch provided on site during term time and on-site car parking available.