Job Description

About us

VAL's Community is an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding organisation providing care and education for children and young people with Learning Disabilities and associated health and social conditions.

We are the only trauma recovery-based Learning Disability provider in the UK for children and young people.

Our work is guided by our

SAFETY values

, which underpin everything we do:

Safeguarding

- at the heart of everything we do

Acceptance

- zero tolerance for discrimination

Focus

- ensuring our ethos complements a highly regulated industry

Emotional Resilience

- building resilience together

Teamwork

- supporting collaboration at every level

Young People

- nurturing skills to achieve positive outcomes
Learn more at:

www.valscommunity.co.uk

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate

Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant

to join our team. You will provide education and organisational support to teachers, guide pupils during structured and unstructured sessions, and assist each young person in achieving their full potential. This role also involves providing personal care respectfully, in line with the school's values, policies, and commitment to equality of opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Provide tailored support to pupils with diverse SEN/ALN needs, ensuring inclusion in all aspects of school life. Work closely with teachers and therapists to implement strategies from

Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

and

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

. Support pupils' social, emotional, and educational development through empathetic and creative approaches. Assist with differentiated classroom activities, therapies, and interventions to encourage independence and progress. Contribute to monitoring, tracking, and recording pupil progress using school systems.

Qualifications & Training

Essential:

Minimum GCSEs (or equivalent)

Desirable:

QCF Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent) Additional training in SEN, behaviour support, communication strategies (e.g. PECS, Makaton), or therapeutic approaches would be advantageous.

Experience

Previous experience supporting pupils with SEN/ALN - highly desirable. Experience in a specialist setting or supporting children with autism, speech and language needs, or social, emotional, and mental health needs - an advantage.

Personal Qualities

A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEN. Patience, resilience, and empathy. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Equal Opportunities

VAL's Community is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 20,353.40-21,664.40 per year

Application question(s):

Are you able to travel to and from the place of work without disruption to your working or contracted hours? Do you require any reasonable adjustments to be able to conduct the role you are applying for? Please speak to our recruitment team if so. All of our staff will be trained in physical intervention. As a last resort, we have to use physical blocks and restraints. Please confirm that you are willing to undertake this aspect of the role. Are you over 21 years old?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

SEN: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person