Sixth Form Teaching Assistant
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Sixth Form Teaching Assistant - Special Needs - Tower Hamlets
Are you a dedicated and experienced professional passionate about supporting students with special educational needs? An independent school recently rated "Ofsted good" in May, is expanding its age range from 14-16 to 11-18 and opening a brand-new, special provision sixth form in East London! This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering initiative, as there are not many post-16 SEND provisions in the area.
We are seeking to recruit Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) to support our inaugural cohort of students starting in September.
The Opportunity: Sixth Form Teaching Assistant
About The Sixth Form: The new sixth form will cater to a maximum of 10 students, all of whom have very special and complex needs. A significant number, approximately six out of ten, are non-verbal, and they are working at a very low learning level, specifically Key Stage 2 and 3 levels. Learning will be supported through platforms such as Lexia, Time Rockstars, and Guided Reading. Most students will require one-to-one or two-to-one learner support as mandated by their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). While a teacher will be present in the classroom, the support staff are crucial to our students' success.
We are looking to fill approximately six to seven LSA roles and two Healthcare Assistant roles.
General Responsibilities (LSA & HCA):
- Provide comprehensive support to students with diverse and complex needs, including those who are non-verbal.
- Assist students with their academic work, which will be at a Key Stage 2 and 3 level.
- Support students in utilizing basic educational platforms like Lexia, Time Rockstars, and Guided Reading.
- Deliver one-to-one or two-to-one support as required by individual student EHCPs.
Specific Responsibilities (Healthcare Assistants):
- Provide hygiene assistance and personal care, including support for students who wear pegs.
Specific Role for a Female LSA: We have one student who requires dedicated one-to-one support from a female LSA. This student is non-verbal with very high autistic needs.
- Assist with hygiene care (though the student can go to the toilet independently).
- Regulate behavior when the student is dysregulated.
- Provide support with their classwork and lessons. This role requires a "two-in-one" approach, blending academic and behavioral support.
Who We Are Looking For:
Essential Experience & Skills:
- A minimum of two years' experience working with children.
- Extensive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) experience.
- Experience working with non-verbal children is a main requirement.
- Demonstrated expertise at Key Stage 2 and 3 levels, as our sixth-formers will be working at this curriculum level.
- Experience within special school settings is highly beneficial.
- Proficiency in using Makaton.
- Familiarity with platforms such as Lexia, Time Rockstars, and Guided Reading is helpful, though training will be provided.
Application & Interview Process:
We are actively recruiting over the summer for a September start. Interviews are being conducted "ASAP".
- In-person interviews are preferred over the next week.
- For candidates unable to attend in person this week, online interviews are an option as the Head of Sixth Form can conduct them while on annual leave.
If you are a compassionate, skilled, and experienced professional ready to make a significant impact on the lives of students with complex needs, we encourage you to apply immediately so I can get you booked in for an interview before the end of the week.
Contact 0203 011 4848 to speak with Elise @ Parker Smith Inclusion.