This is a rare opportunity to join our excellent staff team
We have a vacancies for full time permanent Learning Support Workers (LSWs). Due to increasing numbers of Young People seeking our excellent provision, we have a rare opportunity to join one of the country’s largest Special Schools for young people with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger’s’ Syndrome and Speech and Language Disorders. The split site school is located in the Derbyshire countryside.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding school
We can offer you:
A group of diverse, professional and supportive colleagues
Quality assured training specific to your individual needs
The chance to work with our amazing young people who can be challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding at others
We are currently seeking individuals who can provide support for students, the teachers, the curriculum and the school. You will need to be able to create a happy, safe and caring environment which enables our students to learn and communicate with confidence.
We demand flexibility, integrity, hard work, resilience and a deep desire to educate young people. In return you will receive fantastic support, incredible career development opportunities, an impressive team working approach to education and the priceless reward of knowing that you are making a difference each and every day to the lives of some very unique individuals. Whilst we value experience working with similar young people or within a school environment, we equally value the character of the applicant as we have the ability to accommodate a wide variety of expertise and experience within our teams.
This vacancy is open to internal candidates across the SENAD Group.
Please contact Sharon Harrison on 01629 822586 for information by post.
Alderwasley Hall School, Alderwasley, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0PR
Would you like to take on a new role that will give you a true sense of job satisfaction every day?
Pegasus School is a relatively small independent special school with up to approx. 20 students aged 8 to 19 years with severe learning disabilities, autism and associated challenging behaviour. Many of our students also have mental health and therapy needs.
As a Teaching Assistant at Pegasus School you will work alongside the best educators and therapists in their field to support our students to develop their communication and independence skills, alongside assisting with sensory regulation and building social relationships in order for them to safely access learning in a range of environments including inside their home, their classroom and in the wider community.
Our curriculum is completely bespoke and designed to prepare our students for adulthood, so as when they leave us at 19 years old, they can make choices about their life, they can maintain their physical and mental health, and have a wide range of social and leisure activities that they can access as they move into supported or residential adult living.
Training for this role will be in key areas such as First Aid, Safeguarding and Non-Abusive Physical and Psychological Intervention (NAPPI), but will also be tailored to meet the individual needs of the students. Bespoke training is continually delivered from our Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist as well as from our Teachers who are behaviour and communication specialists. This typically includes training in iPad communication and MAKATON, sensory regulation strategies and behavioural techniques, along with the underpinning knowledge of the diagnosis and needs of each student.
As a Teaching Assistant you will experience behaviours that could include hitting, kicking and biting etc, but we will provide you will the appropriate training and clothing that protects where necessary, and you will get to spend time getting to know the students alongside an experienced staff member so you can be confident in your ability to handle these situations safely. This position also involves delivering personal care, including toileting and bathing.
We believe that students should be happy, have fun and enjoy their learning. We improve the lives of students by supporting and encouraging them to choose activities and by introducing them to new experiences and opportunities. We recognise that when they are happy students are more likely to be engaged in their learning and make better progress.
Follow us on Facebook to see examples of what your typical week could include!
Essential Skills
Qualification (or willing to work towards) Level 3 or equivalent in relevant subject
Experience of working with a range of students/adults with SEN
Excellent communication skills
Resilience, lots of energy and highly motivated
Knowledge of child protection and health and safety regulations
Desirable Skills
Qualifications in SEN
Previously supported students/adults with challenging behaviour
Knowledge of communication techniques
Awareness of sensory regulation strategies
Experience in supporting teaching and learning in schools
Experience in attending to intimate and personal care
Pegasus School and The SENAD Group is committed to safeguarding those in our care – the successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to thorough background checks that include online searches.
The SENAD Group is dedicated to equality of opportunity in all areas of work, education and care.
Pegasus School, Caldwell Hall, Main Street, Caldwell, Derbyshire DE12 6RS
Maple View School opened in June 2020. Due to growing numbers, we are now in the position to be able to recruit a further TA.
We are a small school, with capacity for 18 children, including 7 residential placements, for children aged 6-16 with a range and complexity of needs including: Autistic Spectrum Conditions, Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties, associated behavioural difficulties and Prader Willi Syndrome.
The children follow individualised curriculum pathways, either semi-formal or subject-specific, according to ability, with EHCP Outcomes and preparation for life post Maple View at the core of their pathway. Children engage in classroom-based learning, including daily literacy, numeracy and PSHE activities in the mornings. In the afternoons they can access horticulture, small animal care, cooking, Outdoor School and community-based activities. Individual and group therapy sessions are delivered throughout the day. There is a strong focus on creativity and well-being, with a whole school music session at the start of the day and yoga to close. A half-termly book, accessible to all, is the focus of whole-school cross-curricular planning, encompassing the areas of music, art, literacy, science and the humanities. We belong to the ‘Kindness School’ and daily acts of kindness are encouraged and celebrated. We are seeking a TA with experience of supporting children with SEND, ideally in a specialist setting. We would especially welcome applications from Nursery practitioners. We are looking for candidates with an understanding of a range of Special Educational Needs, the ability to play and have fun as well as supporting more formal aspects of the curriculum. Flexibility, integrity, resilience and a genuine desire to improve outcomes for children with SEND are essential qualities. We offer you a welcoming and supportive team, including on-site therapies, and a range of professional development opportunities. The successful candidate will support learning in a class of up to 5 children under the direction of the class teacher as well as whole school activities. If this sounds exciting to you, and you have the experience required, we would love to hear from you. This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates.
Please visit www.senadgroup.com/careers for more details on the role and to complete an online application The SENAD Group is dedicated to equality of opportunity in all areas of work, education and care.
Closing date for applications: Friday 6th October 2023
Maple View School and The SENAD Group is committed to safeguarding those in our care – the successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to thorough background checks. The SENAD Group is dedicated to equality of opportunity in all areas of work, education and care. Maple View School, 305A Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4LL
Do you want to be part of a fun, supportive and hugely dedicated team?
Do you want to work in a unique environment where no two days are the same?
Do you want to make a difference to the lives of young people?
If the answer is YES keep reading to learn more about this exciting opportunity…
What will we offer you?
Access to external support through the Wellness Scheme
Robust support from a large and diverse staff team and access to information, and support, on the Bladon well-being portal
The Bladon well-being perks (e.g. free staff lunches, well-being boxes, termly vouchers for beauty treatments, plus much more)
Internal training relevant to the role (e.g. Safeguarding training, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) training, Behaviour support training / Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention (NAPPI) training, plus lots more)
Discount Scheme
Opportunities to gain experience in order to further your career
Making a difference to the lives of young people … every day!
About Us
Bladon House School is a residential special school for young people aged from 5-19 with Special Educational Needs including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech & Language Disorders, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), communication needs, therapeutic needs (including speech and language and sensory processing needs), and associated challenging behaviour.
Given the wide range of young people’s needs, and in order to successfully support young people with behaviours of concern, the school benefits from a creative and bespoke curriculum, a working onsite farm, small class sizes, and a multi-disciplinary approach (including a therapy team). It also relies upon a group of highly skilled teaching assistants that bring ideas, new activities and enthusiasm into the classroom, whilst working alongside a range of other professionals. This approach makes Bladon House School a fantastic place to work, thrive and learn.
Experience of working as a TA within a school setting is essential for candidates and it is preferable if you have some SEN experience. It is desirable that you have knowledge and understanding of SEN, however a passion for learning, an engaging personality and resilience can be a good alternative!
In return for your desire to educate those with additional learning needs, you will receive fantastic support, career development opportunities, and you will work as part of an expansive team that makes a significant difference to the lives of some very unique young people.
Bladon House School and The SENAD Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment. As part of the appointment process we will undertake checks to ensure that you do not pose a risk of harm to children or young people – the successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to thorough background checks including online searches. This shall also include an employer reference obtained prior to interview.
The SENAD Group is dedicated to equality of opportunity in all areas of work, education and care.
Bladon House School, Newton Solney, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE15 0TA