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Teaching Assistant - Complex Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Fountains High School, Burton upon Trent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only
Start Date: As soon as possible

Fountains High School is a specialist secondary school supporting pupils with a wide range of complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our team and help support young people to achieve their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and highly supportive environment.

Our pupils have a variety of complex needs, including profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), autism, physical disabilities, medical needs, communication difficulties, and sensory impairments. Some pupils are wheelchair users, some are non-verbal and use alternative communication methods, and many require a high level of personal and medical support throughout the school day.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, and families to provide individualised support that enables pupils to engage in learning, develop independence, and thrive both academically and personally.

• Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups across a range of curriculum and life-skills activities.
• Assist students with complex learning, physical, communication, sensory, and medical needs.
• Support wheelchair users and assist with mobility where required, following appropriate training and guidance.
• Use a variety of communication methods, including visual supports, Makaton, PECS, and communication devices where appropriate.
• Assist with personal care and intimate care needs, maintaining dignity and respect at all times.
• Support pupils to achieve their individual EHCP outcomes and personal development targets.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through consistent and nurturing support.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, and support staff to deliver the best outcomes for pupils.
• Help create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and medical procedures at all times.

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEN and disabilities
  , ideally within a specialist school, care, healthcare, or SEND setting.
• Knowledge of, or experience supporting, pupils with autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, communication needs, or medical requirements.
• A patient, caring, and resilient approach, with the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A commitment to providing high-quality support and promoting independence for all pupils.
• Experience with personal care, moving and handling, or medical support is desirable, although training can be provided.
• An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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