SEN Teaching Assistant

Level 3 Teaching Assistant (SEN Support)

Beetham Church of England Primary School is a small, village school with a strong Christian ethos, on the border of Cumbria and Lancashire within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It is housed in a Victorian building, with a large playing field situated at the heart of the village. We all work together to provide our children the best possible education, through which they can be helped and encouraged to achieve their potential. We seek to provide our children with a stimulating, safe place to learn, where they can feel secure, happy, and cared for within an environment in which they can flourish.

Beetham CE Primary School is seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Level 3 Teaching Assistant to support children with special educational needs on a one-to-one and small group basis.

This is a part-time position, working 25 hours per week over 4 days, term time only  starting September 2025 initially for one year due to EHCP funding.

We are looking for someone who is able to support the learning, development, and inclusion of pupils with a range of special educational needs, including Down’s syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

 The role involves working closely with class teachers and the SENCO to deliver tailored support that meets pupils’ educational, social, and emotional needs in a safe and inclusive setting.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Provide targeted support for pupils with special educational needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, particularly those with Down’s syndrome, autism, or PDA.
•    Assist with the implementation of individual learning programmes (IEPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
•    Adapt and prepare learning materials under the direction of the teacher to ensure accessibility for all pupils including individualised curriculums.
•    Foster independence, self-regulation, and positive behaviour, using strategies aligned with individual needs.
•    Support pupils during unstructured times (e.g. break/lunch) and in transitions between activities.
•    Contribute to regular assessment and review processes by providing observations and feedback.
•    Promote communication and interaction, with an awareness of alternative communication methods such as Makaton.
•    Follow safeguarding, behaviour, and health and safety policies consistently.
•    Work as part of a collaborative, supportive team and maintain strong, professional relationships with staff and families.
•    Support and foster the Christian vision and values of the school.  

Person Specification:
Essential:
•    Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant or SEN-related training).
•    Experience of working with children or young people in an educational setting.
•    Understanding of a range of special educational needs including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, or social and emotional needs.
•    A calm, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting children with a range of additional needs.
•    A positive attitude.
•    Good literacy and numeracy skills.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
•    Commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
•    Willingness to undertake relevant training

Desirable:
•    Experience supporting children with Down’s syndrome, autism, or PDA.
•    Level 3 qualification in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or equivalent.
•    Knowledge or experience of Makaton communication.
•    Team Teach training (positive behaviour management).

Additional Information:
•    Training and ongoing professional development will be provided.
•    This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
•    This position includes some elements of personal care or physical support.

Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged, please contact our school office to arrange an appointment. admin@beetham.cumbria.sch.uk 

Applicants should use the Westmorland and Furness Application Form from the website.  An application form can also be found on the school website www.beethamschool.co.uk 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be appointed on completion of relevant enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

Closing date: Friday 27th June 2025 12 noon. 
Short listing: Monday 30th June 2025
Interview dates: Wednesday 2nd July 2025 or Friday 4th July 2025