Teaching Assistant (SEN Specific)

Early application is encouraged as we are hoping to interview and appoint as soon as possible. School 21 reserves the right to close applications early and make an appointment at any stage.

About us

 School 21 is an inclusive school, located in Stratford, Newham. We believe that we should empower every young person to make a difference in the world and encourage them to make an impact on their community.

We do this by our commitment to a curriculum of the Head (academic success), Heart (character and well-being) and Hand (generating ideas, problem solving, making a difference). Therefore, at School 21 we believe in the development of the whole child and relationships form a huge part of what we do.

Part of the Big Education Trust, we have students from age 4 to 18 with 1110 students on roles which gives an excellent opportunity to work with a range of different colleagues and students.

We pride ourselves in welcoming and providing for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). We believe in an inclusive approach whereby every child is able to achieve success by being able to access a broad and balanced curriculum.

Teaching Assistant (specifically working with SEN students)

About the Role:

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive SEN team at School 21.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to SEN students in the secondary phase of our school.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the learning and development of our SEN pupils, working under the guidance of experienced teachers and other school staff. You will play a key role in supporting a student/students with highly-complex needs to ensure that they are not at a disadvantage to their peers.

Key Responsibilities

 Supporting Pupil Learning:

• • Work with individual pupils or small groups to reinforce learning and provide tailored support.
  • Help prepare and organise learning materials and
  • Assist pupils with reading, writing, and numeracy
  • Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and overcoming learning
  • Encourage pupil engagement and participation in

Classroom Support:

• Provide support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) under the direction of the SENCo and class teacher.
• Supervise pupils during break times, lunchtimes, and school trips (under supervision).
• Support the teacher in managing classroom behaviour and promoting a positive learning atmosphere.

Pastoral Care and Well-being: 

• Build positive relationships with pupils, fostering their self-esteem and
• Provide support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) under the direction of the SENCo and class teacher.
• Assist with the personal care needs of pupils if required (with appropriate training and supervision).
• Promote the emotional and social development of

Safeguarding: 

• Understand and adhere to the school’s safeguarding policies and
• Report any concerns about pupil welfare to the designated safeguarding

Professional Development: 

• Participate in school-based training and professional development
• Take responsibility for your own learning and development, seeking feedback and opportunities to improve.

Essential Skills: 

• A genuine interest in working with children and young
• Enthusiastic, patient, and a good
• Reliable, punctual, and highly
• A willingness to learn and develop new
• Ability to work effectively as part of a
• Good communication and interpersonal
• Experience of working with students from ages 11-18
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of

Desirable Skills: 

• Experience of working 1 to1 with students with highly complex SEN needs
• Team Teach Level 1 or 2 trained (and or willingness to do this at S21)
• ELSA trained (and or willingness to do this at S21)
• Experience of planning and running interventions with small groups

What We Offer: 

• A supportive and welcoming school
• Hands-on experience in a dynamic classroom
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced
• Opportunities for career progression within the education
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of our

For more information see: www.school21.org.uk or e-mail [email protected] (Deputy Headteacher)

School 21 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.