Balfor Recruitment
Complex Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN)
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Job Type: Full-time, Ongoing
Salary: £85 – £110 per day (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
Balfor Recruitment is supporting an established SEN school in the Walsall area, looking for a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant (TA) to support students with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The students in this school have a range of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments. We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and skilled individual to join the team and make a positive impact on these students’ educational and personal development.
The school provides a supportive and inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential, regardless of their challenges. As a Complex Needs TA, you will play a crucial role in supporting students both in and outside the classroom, ensuring they receive the tailored support they need to succeed.
The Role
As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with the class teacher and other specialists to support students with a wide range of complex needs. Your role will involve providing one-on-one and group support, assisting with personal care, and helping students develop communication, social, and life skills. You will also work closely with therapists and other professionals to implement tailored support plans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individualised support to students with complex SEND, including assisting with learning, personal care, and communication.
- Work closely with the class teacher and specialist staff to create and implement individual learning plans.
- Assist with physical support and help students develop functional skills (e.g., communication, mobility).
- Help manage behaviour by implementing strategies for positive reinforcement and de-escalation.
- Support students during unstructured times (e.g., break times, lunch) to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Work with therapists (e.g., speech and language, occupational therapists) to support therapeutic interventions.
- Monitor and report on student progress, providing feedback to the teaching team and contributing to reviews.
- Foster a safe, supportive environment that encourages students to achieve their personal and educational goals.
- Assist with sensory activities and adaptations to make learning more accessible for students with sensory needs.
Key Skills:
- Experience with Complex SEND: Experience working with students with a range of complex needs, including autism, learning difficulties, and physical disabilities.
- Patience and Empathy: Compassionate approach to supporting students with complex needs, understanding their challenges and needs.
- Communication: Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including supporting students with limited verbal communication.
- Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with teachers, specialist staff, and families to ensure the best outcomes for students.
- Behaviour Management: Knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Personal Care: Willingness and ability to support students with personal care needs (e.g., feeding, mobility, toileting) where necessary.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to support a variety of needs, including both academic and personal support.
- Confidence with sensory support: Ability to engage with sensory-based activities and adapt environments to support students with sensory sensitivities.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children or young people with complex SEND in an educational setting (essential).
- A strong interest in supporting the learning and development of students with complex needs.
- A patient, flexible, and caring nature.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Enhanced DBS check (we can assist with this if needed).
- Valid Photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) and references from the past 2 years.
Why Work with Balfor Recruitment?
- Be part of a supportive and inclusive school community dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each student.
- Opportunities for professional development and further training.
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Make a real impact on students’ lives by helping them achieve their personal and educational goals.
What You Need to Do Now:
If you are passionate about supporting students with complex SEND and are ready to make a positive difference in their lives, submit your CV for consideration. If this role isn’t the right fit for you but you’re looking for a new opportunity, get in touch for a confidential conversation about your career.
Balfor Recruitment is a leading agency specialising in education staffing, providing quality staff for schools, including Teaching Assistants, SEN Teachers, and other education professionals.