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    <title>Blog Home</title>
    <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/</link>
    <description>Welcome to the Axcis blog. On these pages, you will find useful SEND resources, details of training events, giveaways and upcoming events. We also feature guest blogs from SEND professionals, companies and influencers, so if you have something to say and would like to write an article for us, why not get in touch today?</description>
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      <guid isPermaLink="false">2123</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/07/09/blog-articles-2026-07-what-to-do-when-your-supply-placement-ends/</link>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>What to Do When Your Supply Placement Ends: A Guide for Supply Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Education Support Staff</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Whether your placement lasted one day, one week, one term or an entire academic year, the end of a supply placement is an opportunity to reflect on what you've achieved and prepare for your next role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Unlike permanent school staff, supply professionals often move between different schools, classrooms and contracts throughout the academic year. Every placement helps you build experience, develop new skills and strengthen your CV.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're a Supply Teacher, SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Behaviour Mentor, Cover Supervisor or SEND Support Worker, taking a few simple steps before your placement ends can help you stay organised, remain compliant and improve your chances of securing your next opportunity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As one of the UK's leading SEND teaching agencies, Axcis supports education professionals throughout their careers. Here's our practical guide to making the most of every supply placement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;1. Finish your placement professionally&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;First impressions matter, but so do last impressions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Before leaving your placement, make sure you've:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Returned your staff ID badge, keys or access fob.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Returned any laptops, tablets or classroom equipment you've borrowed.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Left classrooms and resources organised.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Thanked the staff you've worked alongside.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Professionalism and reliability are qualities schools remember, and a positive reputation can often lead to repeat bookings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;2. Complete your timesheets&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before your placement finishes, make sure all your timesheets have been submitted correctly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Check that:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your working hours are accurate.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Any queries are resolved while the school is still open.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your contact details and bank details are up to date.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Completing everything before you leave helps avoid unnecessary payment delays.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;3. Leave a helpful handover, where appropriate&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you've been working in a longer-term role, leaving a brief handover can make a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You might include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Successful classroom routines&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour management strategies&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Communication approaches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Resources you've been using&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Any agreed support strategies for pupils&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supporting a smooth transition demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain continuity for pupils.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;4. Update your CV while everything is fresh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Take a few minutes to update your CV before you forget the details.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;New SEND experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Classroom responsibilities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour management experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Training completed&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Specialist interventions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Achievements and successes&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An up-to-date CV helps your consultant present your skills to schools more effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're unsure what schools really look for, read our guide: &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/05/27/what-schools-actually-notice-on-send-cvs/" target="_blank" title="What Schools Actually Notice on SEND CVs"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Schools Actually Notice on SEND CVs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;5. Let your consultant know you're available&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Schools recruit throughout the academic year, and many vacancies are planned before they're advertised.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As soon as you know your availability, let your consultant know.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Whether you're looking for:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Daily supply work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Short-term placements&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Long-term contracts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Permanent opportunities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Full-time or part-time work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Keeping your consultant informed means they can begin matching you with suitable roles as soon as they become available.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Already working through Axcis? Make the Axcis App your best friend.&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're currently registered with Axcis, the Axcis App is one of the quickest and easiest ways to manage your supply work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Using the app, you can:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Update your availability calendar.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;View and manage upcoming bookings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Upload your timesheets.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Search and apply for SEND jobs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Upload important documents.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Stay connected with your Axcis consultant.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keeping your availability calendar up to date is one of the simplest ways to improve your chances of being matched with suitable supply work, particularly during busy recruitment periods.&lt;/strong&gt; Schools often need staff at short notice, so having your latest availability recorded means your consultant can contact you quickly when opportunities arise.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New to the Axcis App?&lt;/strong&gt; Read our guide to discover how it can help make managing your supply career even easier: &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2021/10/06/reasons-to-use-the-axcis-app/" target="_blank" title="Reasons to Use the Axcis App"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reasons to Use the Axcis App&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;6. Check your compliance documents&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Being ready to start work quickly often depends on having your compliance documents up to date.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Take a few moments to check:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;DBS documentation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Right to Work documents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Proof of address&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mandatory training&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Safeguarding certificates&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;References, where required&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Keeping everything current helps avoid unnecessary delays when your next opportunity arises.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;7. Continue developing your skills through CPD&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;School breaks and quieter periods can be a great opportunity to invest in your professional development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As an Axcis candidate, you can &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank" title="CPD, Training and Career Development"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;access free CPD through the Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, delivered in partnership with the London Academy, helping you build confidence and develop new skills for future roles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You may also wish to expand your knowledge in areas such as:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Autism&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;ADHD&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEMH&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour management&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Communication strategies&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inclusive classroom practice&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Safeguarding&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every new skill strengthens your CV and supports your career progression.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;8. Take time to recharge&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in education is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're between placements for a few days or enjoying a longer school break, remember to look after your own wellbeing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Take time to rest, enjoy your hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and recharge before your next role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're looking for practical wellbeing advice, read our article &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2026/07/06/looking-after-your-wellbeing-while-working-in-education/" target="_blank" title="Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;9. Stay connected with your teaching agency&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many schools begin planning staffing requirements before the next term starts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Keeping in regular contact with your consultant means you'll be among the first to hear about suitable opportunities that match your skills, experience and availability.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we work with schools across England and South Wales to place Supply Teachers, SEND Teaching Assistants and Education Support Staff into rewarding roles throughout the academic year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you've completed a single day's work or supported the same school for an entire academic year, every placement adds to your experience and helps build your career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Frequently Asked Questions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;When should I tell my teaching agency I'm available for work?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As soon as you know your availability. Schools often begin planning staffing requirements before a new term starts, so keeping your consultant informed gives you the best chance of hearing about suitable opportunities early.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Should I update my CV after every placement?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yes. Every placement adds valuable experience, new skills and achievements. Keeping your CV up to date helps your consultant present you to schools more effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;What if I only worked for one day?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every placement counts. Even short-term assignments demonstrate your adaptability, professionalism and willingness to work in different school environments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Can supply work lead to permanent opportunities?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Absolutely. Many schools use supply placements to identify candidates for longer-term or permanent positions, making every placement an opportunity to showcase your skills.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Continue Your Career Journey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Looking for more advice? These resources can help you prepare for your next opportunity:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/05/27/what-schools-actually-notice-on-send-cvs/" target="_blank" title="What Schools Actually Notice on SEND CVs"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Schools Actually Notice on SEND CVs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Learn how to make your CV stand out.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/11/06/ace-your-send-education-job-interview/" target="_blank" title="Ace Your SEND Education Job Interview"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ace Your SEND Education Job Interview&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Build confidence and prepare for interviews.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/07/08/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-in-a-send-setting/" target="_blank" title="How to Prepare for Your First Day in a SEND Setting"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to Prepare for Your First Day in a SEND Setting&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Practical tips for starting a new placement.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2026/07/06/looking-after-your-wellbeing-while-working-in-education/" target="_blank" title="Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Prioritise your wellbeing while supporting others.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank" title="CPD, Training and Career Development"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CPD, Training and Career Development&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Explore free professional development through the Axcis Academy.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/refer-a-friend/" target="_blank" title="Refer a Friend"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Refer a Friend&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Recommend someone who would make a great addition to the Axcis community and find out how our referral scheme works.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/09/09/axcis-candidate-of-the-term-awards/" target="_blank" title="Candidate of the Term Awards"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Candidate of the Term Awards&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – See how we celebrate the dedication and achievements of our candidates.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Ready for your next opportunity?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you've completed a one-day booking, a long-term placement or an entire academic year in the same school, every placement helps you build your experience and confidence as an education professional.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're already working with Axcis, keep your profile up to date, stay in touch with your consultant and let us know when you're ready for your next placement. The more we know about your availability, preferred locations and career goals, the better we can match you with suitable opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;New to Axcis?&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're looking for your next role in education, we'd love to hear from you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As one of the UK's leading SEND teaching agencies, Axcis works with schools across England and South Wales to place:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND Teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND Teaching Assistants&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour Mentors&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cover Supervisors&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND Support Workers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Other education support professionals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We cover flexible supply roles, long-term roles and permanent roles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Complete our enquiry form to register your interest, and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank" title="Register with Axcis"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Register with Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Finally, thank you to all the education professionals who make a difference in schools every day. We look forward to supporting you throughout your education career.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-07-09T15:33:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2073</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/07/08/attachment-difficulties-guide-for-education-supply-staff/</link>
      <category>SEND Resources</category>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <category>Candidate Resources</category>
      <category>Supply Staff Resources</category>
      <category>Attachment Disorders</category>
      <category>Attachment Difficulties</category>
      <title>Attachment Difficulties in Schools: A Practical Guide for SEND Teachers and Teaching Assistants</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Starting a new placement can feel exciting, but it can also bring uncertainty, especially if you're supporting pupils with additional needs for the first time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're working as a SEND supply teacher, teaching assistant, learning support assistant or behaviour support professional, understanding attachment difficulties can help you build positive relationships, respond confidently to challenging situations and make a meaningful difference from your very first day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis Education, we place SEND professionals into schools across England and South Wales every day. This practical guide explains what attachment difficulties are, how they may present in the classroom, and how you can provide supportive, consistent care while following each school's policies and procedures.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What are attachment difficulties?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Attachment describes the emotional bond a child develops with their primary caregivers during their earliest years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When children experience consistent, responsive care, they are more likely to develop secure attachments that help them feel safe, build healthy relationships and regulate their emotions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some children, however, experience early adversity such as neglect, trauma, abuse, bereavement or disrupted caregiving. These experiences can affect how they trust adults, manage emotions and respond to everyday situations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may also hear the term &lt;strong&gt;attachment disorder&lt;/strong&gt;. While attachment difficulties are relatively common, diagnosed attachment disorders such as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) are rare and can only be diagnosed by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a SEND education professional, your role isn't to diagnose children. Your role is to understand that behaviour often communicates an unmet need and to respond with patience, consistency and professionalism.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why does this matter for SEND supply staff?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the biggest concerns new SEND supply staff have is:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"What if I say or do the wrong thing?"&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The good news is that you don't need to be an attachment specialist to make a positive difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Children experiencing attachment difficulties often benefit from adults who are:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Calm&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Consistent&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Patient&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Predictable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reliable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Even if you're only in a classroom for one day, your approach can help a child feel safer and more settled.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What might you notice in the classroom?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every child is different, but pupils experiencing attachment difficulties may:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Find it difficult to trust unfamiliar adults.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Become anxious during transitions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Need additional reassurance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Appear withdrawn or unusually quiet.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;React strongly to changes in routine.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Challenge boundaries or classroom expectations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Become upset more quickly than other pupils.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Struggle to regulate their emotions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Find friendships difficult.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prefer to work alone or avoid asking for help.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It's important to remember that these behaviours may also be linked to autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma or other SEND needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Avoid making assumptions. Instead, focus on understanding the individual child and following the guidance provided by the school.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical tips for your first day in a new classroom&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every school works differently, but these simple approaches can help you settle into any SEND environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduce yourself calmly&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Children experiencing attachment difficulties may take longer to build trust.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There's no need to force conversation. A friendly smile, calm voice and consistent approach often speak louder than lots of words.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow the SENDCo/SENCO or Class Teacher's lead&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every classroom has established routines.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ask questions such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Is there anything I should know about the pupils I'll be supporting today?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are there any strategies that work particularly well?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Is there anything I should avoid?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Experienced teachers know their pupils well, and their guidance is invaluable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Be consistent&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Children often feel safer when adults are predictable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Try to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Follow classroom routines.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use the same expectations as other staff.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Avoid changing agreed strategies.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Give clear, simple instructions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Consistency builds confidence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stay calm during challenging moments&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some behaviours may feel personal, but they rarely are.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If a pupil becomes upset or dysregulated:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Keep your voice calm.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Give the child time where appropriate.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Follow the school's behaviour policy.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ask for support if needed.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Avoid arguing or escalating the situation.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Remember that you're there to support, not to win a confrontation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Build trust gradually&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Relationships take time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Rather than trying to become a child's favourite adult immediately, focus on being:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Friendly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reliable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Respectful&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Consistent&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Small positive interactions throughout the day often have the greatest impact.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Things to avoid&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're new to SEND, it's natural to want to fix every situation quickly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instead, try to avoid:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Taking behaviour personally.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Raising your voice unnecessarily.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Making promises you can't keep.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Publicly challenging or embarrassing pupils.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Introducing new behaviour strategies without speaking to school staff.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Assuming you know a child's background.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your role is to support the school's existing approach rather than creating a new one.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When should you ask for help?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should never feel that you need to manage everything alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're unsure about a pupil or situation:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Speak with the class teacher.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ask the SENCO or another member of staff for guidance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Follow safeguarding procedures if you have concerns.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Report significant incidents according to school policy.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Asking questions shows professionalism; it doesn't show weakness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking after yourself too&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in SEND can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Remember to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reflect on your experiences.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ask colleagues for advice.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Continue developing your SEND knowledge.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Make use of training opportunities available through Axcis.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Celebrate the small wins - they matter.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No one expects you to know everything on your first placement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every classroom experience helps you grow in confidence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Further reading&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you'd like to learn more about attachment difficulties, these trusted organisations provide excellent information:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/topics/attachment-disorder.html" target="_blank" title="Counselling Directory - What is Attachment Disorder"&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Counselling Directory&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; - A comprehensive guide to attachment difficulties, attachment styles, signs and available support.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-health-development/attachment-early-years" target="_blank" title="NSPCC Learning - Attachment and Child Development"&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NSPCC Learning&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; - Information about attachment, early childhood development and the importance of secure relationships.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.annafreud.org/" target="_blank" title="Anna Freud - Children's Mental Health"&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Anna Freud&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; - Evidence-informed resources on children's mental health, emotional wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Continue developing your SEND knowledge with The Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supporting pupils with attachment difficulties is a skill that develops with experience and ongoing learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As an Axcis candidate, you can access &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which offers accredited CPD courses in partnership with &lt;strong&gt;The National College&lt;/strong&gt;, giving you &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;free access to an extensive library of CPD designed&lt;/a&gt; specifically for education professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're new to SEND or looking to build on your existing experience, you'll find training covering topics such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Safeguarding and child protection&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND awareness&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Autism&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;ADHD&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEMH&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour support&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Trauma-informed practice&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mental health and wellbeing&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Classroom management&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Professional development&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With more than &lt;strong&gt;1,400 webinars and 180+ online courses&lt;/strong&gt; available, it's an excellent way to build your confidence, strengthen your knowledge and prepare for future SEND placements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Frequently Asked Questions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Do I need specialist training to support pupils with attachment difficulties?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No. While additional SEND training is always valuable, being calm, patient, consistent and willing to learn can make a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What if I don't know a child's background?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That's completely normal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many schools won't share detailed personal information unless it's relevant to your role. Focus on following the guidance provided by the class teacher, SENDCo/SENCO and responding professionally.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Should I tell a child how to behave?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Always follow the school's behaviour policy and the guidance of permanent staff. Consistency is important, particularly if you're working in a supply role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Can supply staff make a difference?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Absolutely.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Although some placements last just a day, every positive interaction matters. Children benefit from adults who are respectful, patient and dependable, regardless of how long they're in the classroom.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; text-transform: none; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready for your next SEND opportunity?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in SEND is about far more than delivering lessons or providing classroom support. It's about helping children feel safe enough to learn, grow and achieve their potential.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're taking your first step into SEND education or looking for your next placement, Axcis Education is here to support you every step of the way.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We work with SEND teachers, teaching assistants and education support staff across England and South Wales, helping them find rewarding opportunities in mainstream schools, specialist settings and alternative provisions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're already registered with Axcis, &lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/jobs/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;explore our latest SEND vacancies&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; to find your next opportunity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're new to Axcis, &lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/candidates/enquiry-form-candidate" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;complete our Candidate Enquiry Form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss your experience, career goals and current opportunities in your area.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're looking for day-to-day supply, long-term placements or permanent roles, we're here to help you build a rewarding career supporting children and young people with SEND.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-07-08T15:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
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      <guid isPermaLink="false">5554</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/07/06/looking-after-your-wellbeing-while-working-in-education/</link>
      <title>Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Supporting your wellbeing throughout your education career&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in education is one of the most rewarding careers, but it can also be one of the most demanding. Whether you're supporting pupils as a SEND or mainstream teaching assistant, teacher, learning support assistant or another education professional, every day brings new challenges, new relationships and new opportunities to make a difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When you're focused on supporting others, it's easy to forget to look after yourself.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Taking time to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing isn't a luxury; it's an important part of being able to continue supporting children and young people effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Why wellbeing matters in education&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in schools requires patience, resilience and adaptability. Every classroom is different, and for many education professionals, particularly those working in supply, no two days are ever quite the same.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Moving between schools, learning new routines and supporting pupils with a wide range of needs can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be mentally and emotionally demanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Looking after your wellbeing helps you:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Feel more resilient during busy periods&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Manage change with greater confidence&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maintain a healthy work-life balance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Continue giving pupils your very best&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sometimes the smallest habits like taking a proper break, getting outside after work or spending a few minutes checking in with yourself can make a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical ways to support your wellbeing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There isn't one solution that works for everyone, but building small habits into your routine can help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You might consider:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Taking regular breaks throughout the day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Listening to wellbeing podcasts during your commute&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Practising mindfulness or breathing exercises&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reading wellbeing articles and professional advice&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reflecting on positive moments from your day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Making time to recharge during school holidays&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The important thing is finding approaches that work for you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Supporting our candidates beyond the classroom&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis believes that supporting education professionals goes beyond helping them find their next role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a specialist teaching agency supporting SEND schools and education settings across England and South Wales, we're committed to helping our candidates feel confident, valued and supported throughout their careers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That's why &lt;strong&gt;registered Axcis candidates&lt;/strong&gt; receive &lt;strong&gt;exclusive access&lt;/strong&gt; to the &lt;strong&gt;Still Human wellbeing app&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Designed specifically for people working in education, the app includes:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Daily wellbeing check-ins&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Guided mindfulness exercises&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Expert articles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Podcasts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Videos&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Practical wellbeing resources&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're working in one school or several, these resources are available whenever you need them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Already Registered? Accessing Your Wellbeing Benefits&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a &lt;strong&gt;registered Axcis candidate&lt;/strong&gt;, you have &lt;strong&gt;exclusive access&lt;/strong&gt; to the &lt;strong&gt;Still Human wellbeing app&lt;/strong&gt; as part of your candidate benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you'd like to get started, simply &lt;strong&gt;contact your Axcis consultant&lt;/strong&gt;, who'll be happy to help you access the app.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Can't remember who your consultant is or can't find your original welcome email?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No problem.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📧 Email: &lt;a rel="noopener" href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk" target="_blank" title="Registered - Access to Still Human App"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;info@axcis.co.uk&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We'll put you in touch with the right consultant so you can start making the most of your wellbeing benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking after yourself helps you support others&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Education is built on caring for others, but it's equally important to care for yourself.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it's taking time to recharge during the holidays, building healthier daily habits or making use of wellbeing resources throughout the year, investing in your own wellbeing benefits both you and the pupils you support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we're proud to support our candidates not only in finding rewarding opportunities but throughout every stage of their education career, whether it be SEND or mainstream settings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking for Your Next Role in Education?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're already working in education or looking for your next opportunity, choosing the right teaching agency is about more than finding vacancies. It's about having the right support throughout your career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we work with schools, alternative provisions and colleges across England, helping education professionals find rewarding roles while providing access to ongoing support, wellbeing resources and professional development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When you register with Axcis, you'll benefit from:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✔ Opportunities with schools across England and South Wales&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✔ A dedicated education consultant who gets to know you&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✔ Free &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;CPD and training opportunities&lt;/a&gt; through &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" target="_blank"&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt; in partnership with The National College&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✔ Exclusive access to the Still Human wellbeing app&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✔ Ongoing career advice and support&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're looking for flexible supply work, long-term placements or your next permanent role, we'd love to help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Register with Axcis Today&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:03:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-07-06T12:03:00+01:00</a10:updated>
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      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/06/02/thinking-about-leaving-teaching-send/</link>
      <category>Candidate Resources</category>
      <category>Job Seeking Resources</category>
      <category>Teachers</category>
      <category>Teaching</category>
      <category>Teacher Jobs</category>
      <title>Thinking About Leaving Teaching? Why Some Teachers Choose SEND Instead</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;It's 10pm.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You've finished teaching for the day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You've answered emails, dealt with behaviour incidents, attended meetings, updated records, planned lessons, and marked work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tomorrow's to-do list is already longer than today's.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And perhaps, for the first time or maybe the hundredth, you've found yourself wondering:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="font22px"&gt;Can I really do this for another ten years&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🤝 If that thought has crossed your mind recently, &lt;strong&gt;you're not alone.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Across England, thousands of teachers are asking themselves similar questions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not because they've stopped caring.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not because they've lost their passion for education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But because the job they love sometimes feels very different from the one they signed up for.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most teachers didn't enter the profession because they loved paperwork, data tracking, meetings, or administrative tasks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They became teachers because they &lt;strong&gt;wanted to help children learn&lt;/strong&gt;,&lt;strong&gt; build confidence&lt;/strong&gt;,&lt;strong&gt; discover their strengths&lt;/strong&gt;,&lt;strong&gt; and achieve things they never thought possible.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And for many teachers, that &lt;strong&gt;purpose still matters&lt;/strong&gt; just as much as it always did.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The question is whether their current role still allows them to focus on it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When teachers start thinking about leaving, they often assume there are only two choices:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Stay where they are and keep pushing through&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Leave teaching altogether&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🤝 But what if there was a third option?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🤔 What if the problem isn't teaching itself?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🤝 What if it's the environment you're teaching in?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many teachers who move into SEND education aren't trying to leave education behind.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They're looking for &lt;strong&gt;a different way&lt;/strong&gt; to use the skills they already have.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A&lt;strong&gt; setting that feels more aligned with the reasons they became teachers in the first place&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For some, SEND becomes exactly that.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let's take a look ...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Teachers Are Actually Looking For&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When teachers start exploring alternatives, they're rarely searching for SEND schools specifically.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;They're usually searching for answers to questions like:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Why am I so exhausted?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Is teaching supposed to feel like this?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What else can I do with my teaching qualification?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are there other types of schools I could work in?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Do I need a complete career change?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What they're often looking for is:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;More meaningful relationships with pupils&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;More time to focus on individual needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Less time spent firefighting&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A stronger sense of purpose&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Greater job satisfaction&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A way to enjoy teaching again&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And for some teachers, SEND becomes one possible answer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Some Teachers Choose SEND Instead&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the most common things we hear from teachers who move into SEND is:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="font22px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;⭐ I remember why I became a teacher.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That doesn't mean SEND is easier.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It isn't.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND comes with its own challenges, responsibilities, and demands.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But &lt;strong&gt;many teachers describe it as feeling different.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In mainstream settings, it's common to feel pulled in multiple directions at once.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Data.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Attendance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Interventions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reporting.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Meetings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Administrative tasks.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Accountability measures.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In SEND settings, the focus often feels clearer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🤝 Relationships become central.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👂 Understanding the pupil becomes just as important as delivering the curriculum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📈 Progress may look different, but it still matters deeply.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For some teachers, &lt;strong&gt;that shift changes everything&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You've Probably Been Using SEND Skills for Years&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the biggest misconceptions teachers have is:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="font22px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;I don't have SEND experience.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But if you've worked in a classroom, there's a good chance you've already developed many of the skills SEND schools value.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have you ever:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adapted lessons for different learning needs?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Supported a child with anxiety?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Worked with pupils who struggle to regulate emotions?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Differentiated learning?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Collaborated with teaching assistants?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Supported pupils with EHCPs?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helped children build confidence and independence?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If so, &lt;strong&gt;you've already been developing SEND-related skills&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The difference is that in specialist settings, those skills become a much bigger part of your role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many teachers discover they're far more prepared than they initially thought.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What SEND Teaching Actually Looks Like&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many teachers have assumptions about SEND education that simply aren't true.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND is not one thing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It includes a wide range of settings supporting pupils with:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Autism&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;ADHD&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Speech and language needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Learning difficulties&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Physical disabilities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEMH needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Complex needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some settings follow an adapted national curriculum.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some focus heavily on communication, independence, and life skills.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some support pupils who have struggled to thrive in mainstream environments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every setting is different.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Which is why many teachers are often surprised by the variety of opportunities available.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Happens to Your Subject Specialism?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is one of the biggest questions secondary teachers ask.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The answer?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;⭐ You don't leave your expertise behind.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND schools still need:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;English teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maths teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Science teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Humanities teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;PE teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Arts specialists&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Technology teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;⭐ Your subject knowledge remains valuable.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What often changes is the way you deliver learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many teachers find they become more creative, more flexible, and more individualised in their approach.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For some, it's one of the most rewarding professional developments of their career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It's Not About Smaller Classes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;People often assume teachers move into SEND because of class sizes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While some specialist settings may have smaller groups and additional support staff, that's rarely the reason teachers stay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The teachers who thrive in SEND often talk about something else entirely.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;They talk about &lt;strong&gt;relationships&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;They talk about &lt;strong&gt;seeing progress that feels meaningful&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;They talk about &lt;strong&gt;being able to focus on the individual learner.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;They talk about &lt;strong&gt;feeling connected to the purpose behind their work&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That's much harder to measure than class size.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But it's often the thing that matters most.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Let's Be Honest About the Challenges&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND isn't the right fit for everyone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The role can be emotionally demanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may work with pupils who have experienced trauma.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may support learners with complex communication needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may face challenging situations and difficult days.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But &lt;strong&gt;many teachers&lt;/strong&gt; also find that &lt;strong&gt;specialist settings are highly collaborative&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Teaching assistants, therapists, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and school leaders often work closely together to support pupils and staff.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That sense of &lt;strong&gt;teamwork&lt;/strong&gt; is something many teachers value enormously.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;What If You're Curious But Not Ready?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That's perfectly normal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You don't have to make a career-changing decision overnight.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Many teachers begin by exploring:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND schools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Specialist provisions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Alternative Provision settings&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Resource bases&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Supply teaching opportunities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Experiencing different environments can help you understand whether SEND feels like the right fit before committing to a permanent move.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Question Worth Asking&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you've found yourself thinking about leaving teaching, perhaps the most important question isn't:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font22px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;❓ Do I want to leave education?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maybe it's:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font22px"&gt;&lt;em&gt;🌱 Do I need a different environment to do my best work?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For some teachers, the answer is no.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For others, &lt;strong&gt;exploring SEND opens a door they didn't realise existed&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A door that allows them to continue doing what they love.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;⭐ Teaching.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;⭐ Supporting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;⭐ Helping children overcome barriers and achieve success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not because they left teaching behind.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But because they found a version of it that felt right for them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thinking About Your Next Step?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're simply &lt;strong&gt;curious about SEND&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;actively considering a move&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/contact/" target="_blank"&gt;speaking to a specialist education recruitment consultant&lt;/a&gt; can help you understand what opportunities are available and which settings might suit your experience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we support teachers at every stage of their SEND journey and can help you explore the options available without any pressure or obligation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you'd like to &lt;strong&gt;discuss SEND teaching opportunities&lt;/strong&gt;, Alternative Provision roles, or simply find out whether a different educational setting might be right for you, complete our candidate enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Candidate Enquiry Form:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/candidates/enquiry-form-candidate" target="_blank"&gt;https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/candidates/enquiry-form-candidate&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sometimes the next step isn't leaving teaching.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sometimes it's finding the place where you can enjoy it again.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="6798" data-end="6841"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="6139" data-end="6222"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:15:46 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-06-02T11:15:46+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5551</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/05/19/what-does-behaviour-specialist-mean-in-schools/</link>
      <category>Job seeking resources</category>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <category>Teaching Assistants</category>
      <title>What Do Schools Mean by "Behaviour Specialist" in Job Descriptions?</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;If you have been searching for school support roles, you may have come across a vacancy for a Behaviour Specialist and felt a little unsure what to make of it. Is it clinical? Do you need a specific qualification? Are they expecting someone who already has years of specialist training?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The short answer is: probably not. The title sounds more formal than the role often is, and many of the most effective people in these positions have come from care work, youth work, sports coaching, or residential support, rather than from a traditional classroom route.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This guide breaks down what schools actually mean when they use this title, what you would be doing day-to-day, and what they are really looking for in a candidate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why the title varies so much&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Unlike teaching roles, there is no single definition of '&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Behaviour Specialist&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;' in education. Different schools use different language for the same job. You might see it advertised as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour Support Worker&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEMH Teaching Assistant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour Mentor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pastoral Support Assistant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Learning Mentor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour Teaching Assistant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The titles differ, but the purpose is usually the same: helping pupils who find the school environment genuinely difficult to get through the day, and to stay engaged with learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A LinkedIn comment we saw recently put it well: someone noted that job descriptions for these roles can sometimes sound more polished than the day-to-day reality. That is a fair point worth acknowledging. The role can be unpredictable, and working with young people who have complex needs is not always straightforward. But for the right person, it is also one of the most meaningful roles in a school.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What 'behaviour' actually means in this context&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In modern education, behaviour is understood as a form of communication. When a pupil is disrupting a lesson, refusing to engage, or becoming distressed, schools are increasingly trained to ask 'what is this young person trying to tell us?' rather than simply responding to the incident.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The reasons behind challenging behaviour might include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Anxiety or fear about failure&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Unmet SEND or learning needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Trauma or difficult home experiences&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Social difficulties or isolation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emotional dysregulation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sensory overwhelm&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Low confidence or self-esteem&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your job as a Behaviour Specialist is not to act as a disciplinarian. It is to understand what is driving the behaviour and to help the young person manage it calmly, consistently, and with enough trust built over time that they feel safe with you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What does the role look like day-to-day?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Picture a Year 9 pupil who has been excluded from two previous schools. They arrive each morning already on edge. Your morning might involve meeting them at the gate, checking in before the day starts, helping them settle into lessons, and being present when transitions or the moments between classes begin to feel overwhelming.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You might support 1:1, work with a small group, or float across a year group depending on need. You will likely be involved in:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Supporting pupils with SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Using de-escalation or positive behaviour strategies during difficult moments&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Building consistent, trusting relationships with individual pupils&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping pupils re-engage after a difficult moment or exclusion&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recording incidents and observations professionally&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Participating in reviews, EHCPs, and support plan meetings&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No two days are identical. The role requires patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm when those around you are not.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is SEMH, and why does it keep appearing in job descriptions?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SEMH&lt;/strong&gt; stands for &lt;strong&gt;Social, Emotional and Mental Health&lt;/strong&gt; needs. It is a category of special educational needs and disabilities that covers a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, low mood, attachment difficulties, trauma responses, ADHD, and behavioural needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Schools and education settings supporting pupils with SEMH needs can include Alternative Provision (AP) settings, Short Stay Schools, specialist SEMH schools, Inclusion Bases, and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). While the term PRU is still commonly used across education, many schools and local authorities now use broader terminology such as Alternative Provision or Short Stay School.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These settings often look for staff who can build positive relationships, remain calm under pressure, and support pupils who may have experienced significant barriers to learning or difficult life experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What about Team Teach? Do you need it?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Team Teach is a widely used training framework in education that focuses on positive behaviour support, de-escalation, and safe physical intervention where necessary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many Alternative Provision settings, SEMH schools, Inclusion Bases, and PRUs prefer candidates who have completed Team Teach training, although it is not always essential before starting a role. Schools and recruitment agencies will often provide access to training as part of the onboarding process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis has certified in-house Team Teach facilitators who run regular training sessions exclusively for registered Axcis candidates&lt;/strong&gt;. If you are registered with us and want to know when the next session is taking place,&lt;strong&gt; speak to your consultant&lt;/strong&gt; and they will give you the details.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Alongside Team Teach, registered candidates also have access to &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, our dedicated CPD and career development programme, delivered in partnership with The National College. This includes a wide range of courses relevant to behaviour support work, including Prevent Training and a variety of SEMH-focused modules.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What backgrounds do schools value?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Alongside classroom experience, schools consistently value people coming from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Domiciliary or residential care&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Youth work or youth offending teams&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mental health support roles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sports coaching or mentoring&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community outreach&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Psychology or social science graduates looking for applied experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The common thread is not a qualification. It is &lt;strong&gt;the ability to build trust with a young person who may not easily trust adults and to stay steady when things get difficult&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Is this role right for you?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ask yourself:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Can you stay calm when a child or young person is not?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Can you show up consistently, day after day, for someone who may not find it easy to show up for themselves?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are you patient, empathetic or resilient enough to build trust slowly, without forcing it?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If the answer is yes, you may be closer to ready than the job title suggests.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking for behaviour support roles?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis works with schools across England and South Wales to place experienced and aspiring support staff in roles that match their background and strengths.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Whether you have classroom experience, Team Teach training, or transferable skills from care or youth work, we would love to talk.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Browse live behaviour support jobs or &lt;a href="/register/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;register&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with Axcis today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="/jobs/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;axcis.co.uk/jobs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 12:26:40 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-05-19T12:26:40+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4549</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/04/17/nasen-awards-send-excellence-axcis/</link>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <category>clients</category>
      <category>Charitable Partners</category>
      <title>The nasen Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Inclusive Education</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The nasen Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Inclusive Education&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Across the UK, thousands of education professionals work tirelessly to create inclusive learning environments where every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://nasen.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;nasen&lt;/a&gt; Awards &lt;/strong&gt;recognise these achievements by celebrating the schools, educators, teams and organisations making an outstanding contribution to inclusive education and SEND.&lt;span class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchor" aria-hidden="true"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a long-standing &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/about-us/charitable-partnerships/" target="_blank"&gt;corporate partner of &lt;strong&gt;nasen&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Axcis is proud to support these awards and help shine a light on the incredible work taking place across the education sector.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why the nasen Awards matter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Creating genuinely inclusive education takes commitment, collaboration and innovation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The nasen Awards recognise those who consistently go above and beyond to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND while inspiring others across the sector.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The awards celebrate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outstanding inclusive practice&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Innovative approaches to supporting learners&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Collaboration between schools, families and professionals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Positive outcomes for children and young people&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Excellence across a wide range of SEND categories&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For many nominees, recognition isn't simply about winning an award; it's about celebrating the dedication of entire school communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Proud sponsors of Primary Provision of the Year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis is proud to sponsor the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://nasen.org.uk/page/nasen-awards-categories" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Primary Provision of the Year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; category.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This award recognises primary settings that embed inclusion into everyday practice, creating supportive learning environments where every pupil feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Schools considered for this award demonstrate:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A whole-school commitment to inclusive practice&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;High-quality support for pupils with additional needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Positive outcomes for children and young people&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Strong partnerships with families and professionals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These are values that closely reflect our own commitment to supporting inclusive education throughout the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 396px; height: 302px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/rkkjshyv/2025-axcis-nasen-winner.png?width=396&amp;amp;height=302&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="2025 Primary Provision of the Year winners with Louise Linehan from Axcis"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;2025 Primary Provision of the Year winners with Louise Linehan, Axcis.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Our partnership with nasen&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our relationship with nasen extends far beyond the awards themselves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a long-standing &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/about-us/charitable-partnerships/" target="_blank"&gt;corporate partner&lt;/a&gt;, Axcis works alongside nasen to support initiatives that promote inclusive education, professional development and better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, we share a commitment to recognising excellent practice and supporting the education professionals who make inclusion happen every day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Celebrating excellence every year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Each year, the nasen Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate inspiring schools, educators and teams from across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it's recognising innovative teaching, exceptional leadership or outstanding inclusive provision, the awards remind us of the positive impact education professionals make every single day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We'll continue to celebrate each year's finalists and winners while supporting the ongoing work of nasen to champion inclusion across education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Passionate about inclusive education?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're looking for your next role in SEND or mainstream education, or your school is looking to strengthen its inclusive workforce, Axcis is here to help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a specialist &lt;strong&gt;teaching agency&lt;/strong&gt;, we work with schools, colleges and alternative provisions across England and South Wales, connecting education professionals with rewarding opportunities that make a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're searching for your next role or looking to recruit exceptional staff, we'd love to hear from you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank"&gt;Enquire Here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:53:50 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-04-17T15:53:50+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4539</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/02/09/what-does-emotional-support-look-like-in-a-send-classroom/</link>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <title>What Does Emotional Support Look Like in a SEND Classroom?</title>
      <description>&lt;h1 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 22pt !important; font-weight: 600 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 0px 0px 16px !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important; text-align: left;"&gt;What Does Emotional Support Look Like in a SEND Classroom Day to Day?&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emotional support is often described as a core part of SEND education, but it isn’t always obvious what that looks like in practice.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In SEND classrooms, emotional support doesn’t usually come from planned interventions or formal moments set aside in the timetable. More often, it is built into the rhythm of the day through routines, relationships, communication, and the way adults respond to pupils moment by moment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For SEND teaching and education support staff, emotional support shows up in everyday decisions: how transitions are handled, how expectations are communicated, how pupils are supported when learning feels difficult, and how adults remain calm and consistent when emotions run high.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This blog explores what emotional support looks like in a SEND classroom on a day-to-day basis, focusing on the small, practical actions that help pupils feel safe, supported, and ready to engage with learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Emotional Support Is Built Into the Everyday&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In SEND classrooms, emotional support isn’t something that only appears when a pupil is visibly distressed. It is part of the everyday structure of the classroom.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This may include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;predictable routines that help pupils feel secure&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;calm, consistent adult responses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;clear communication around expectations and transitions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;classroom environments that reduce unnecessary stress&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For experienced staff, these practices are often second nature. For those newer to SEND roles, recognising that emotional support is already happening, even through simple, routine actions, can be reassuring.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Relationships Are Central to Emotional Support&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the most important foundations of emotional support in SEND classrooms is &lt;strong&gt;relationships&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pupils are more likely to regulate, communicate, and engage when they trust the adults supporting them. That trust is built gradually through:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;consistency and reliability&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;following through on what is said&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;responding calmly during challenging moments&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;taking time to listen, even when there isn’t an immediate solution&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emotional support does not depend on having the “perfect” response. Often, it is about being predictable, present, and attuned to individual pupils.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Supporting Emotional Regulation Throughout the Day&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emotional regulation support in SEND settings often happens quietly and continuously, rather than during isolated incidents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Day-to-day examples may include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;noticing early signs of dysregulation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;adjusting demands when pupils feel overwhelmed&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;offering movement breaks or quiet spaces&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;using familiar language or cues to support transitions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For newer staff, this can feel like a lot to hold in mind. Over time, patterns become easier to recognise, and responses feel more natural. For experienced staff, regulation support often becomes embedded in practice, but it still relies on observation and reflection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Where SEMH Fits Into Emotional Support&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In many SEND classrooms, emotional support is closely connected to social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, whether or not pupils are formally identified as SEMH.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In practice, this often involves supporting pupils to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;recognise and communicate emotions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;build trust and secure relationships&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;develop regulation strategies over time&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;feel safe enough to access learning&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEMH support in SEND classrooms is rarely separate from the rest of the school day. It is shaped through relationships, routines, language, and consistent adult responses rather than standalone interventions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For experienced staff, this understanding often develops through practice. For those newer to SEND roles, recognising that SEMH support is embedded within everyday classroom life rather than something additional or specialist can help reduce pressure and unrealistic expectations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Emotional Support Is Not the Same as Therapy&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A common concern, particularly for teaching assistants and staff new to SEND roles, is the fear of overstepping professional boundaries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Providing emotional support in a SEND classroom does &lt;strong&gt;not&lt;/strong&gt; mean acting as a therapist or counsellor. It means:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;creating conditions where pupils feel safe&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;responding with empathy and professionalism&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;observing and sharing concerns appropriately&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;working within the wider school team&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Clear boundaries protect both pupils and staff. Emotional support works best when it is part of a collaborative approach led by teachers, SENDCos, inclusion leads, and pastoral systems.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;When Emotional Support Looks Different From One Day to the Next&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND classrooms are dynamic environments. What supports a pupil well one day may need adjusting the next, and that is normal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Changes in routine, staffing, environment, or pupils’ personal circumstances can all influence emotional wellbeing. Experienced staff often notice this quickly, while newer staff may take time to identify patterns.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What matters most is not getting it “right” every time, but remaining:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;observant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;flexible&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;open to adapting approaches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emotional support in SEND education is responsive, not rigid.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Learning From Colleagues and SEND Teams&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No one delivers emotional support in SEND classrooms alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Support and perspective often come from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;colleagues and fellow support staff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;class teachers and wider teams&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SENDCos and inclusion leads&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;established school systems for reflection and communication&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Open conversations, peer networking, shared problem-solving, and learning from others’ experiences play an important role in navigating SEND roles and strengthening practice over time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;The Role of CPD in Supporting Emotional and SEMH Practice&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) plays an important role in supporting emotional wellbeing and SEMH practice in SEND settings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Engaging with training and reflective learning can help staff:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;deepen understanding of emotional regulation and behaviour&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;feel more confident in their responses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;adapt practice as pupils’ needs change&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;stay informed about SEND-appropriate approaches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For SEND professionals working with Axcis, access to the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; provides CPD opportunities designed to support learning across a range of SEND and SEMH contexts, complementing the guidance and systems already in place within schools.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emotional support in SEND classrooms is rarely about grand interventions. More often, it is found in the small, consistent actions that help pupils feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For experienced staff, this becomes part of everyday practice. For those newer to SEND roles, it develops over time through observation, collaboration, reflection, and continued learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In SEND education, emotional support may not always be visible or easily measured, but it plays a vital role in creating environments where pupils and the staff supporting them can thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you are reflecting on your practice or looking to develop your skills further, continued learning and SEND-focused CPD can support your development alongside the guidance provided within your school or setting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style="color: #e5004f !important; font-size: 18pt !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 32px 0 12px 0 !important; text-transform: none !important; letter-spacing: normal !important;"&gt;Considering Your Next Step in SEND Education?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you’re still exploring your next SEND role or thinking about a change, having the right support around you can make the process feel more manageable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis works exclusively within SEND education, supporting teaching and education support staff across a wide range of settings. Whether you’re actively looking for a role or simply want to understand what opportunities are available in your area, our teams can help provide clarity around different SEND environments and expectations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You’re welcome to contact your local Axcis team or submit an enquiry to start a conversation with no pressure or obligation to move roles before you’re ready.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;strong&gt;Get in touch with Axcis &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:15:34 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-02-09T11:15:34Z</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4533</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/01/16/send-practice-spotlight-specialist-classroom-provision-autistic-pupils/</link>
      <category>best practice</category>
      <category>candidtes</category>
      <category>clients</category>
      <title>SEND Practice Spotlight - Classrooms Designed to Meet Mainstream Autistic Students Needs</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Specialist Classroom Provision Supporting Autistic Pupils in Mainstream Schools | SEND Practice Spotlight&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we aim to share practical, real-world examples of SEND provision that schools, SEND professionals, and the wider education community may find useful to explore, adapt, or take inspiration from.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This SEND Practice Spotlight highlights an initiative focused on strengthening support for autistic pupils within mainstream settings. It is shared as an example of inclusive practice to inform discussion and reflection, rather than as a prescriptive or comparative model.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Specialist Classroom Provision for Autistic Pupils: An Overview&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Phoenix School in Tower Hamlets is an all-through specialist school supporting autistic children and young people aged 3–19.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Through its &lt;strong&gt;Specialist Classroom Provision (SCP) project&lt;/strong&gt;, the school has partnered with 22 mainstream schools to support the development of structured, calm classroom environments designed to better meet the needs of autistic pupils within their local school communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These specialist classrooms typically support smaller groups of pupils (up to 10) and aim to provide tailored teaching and support that may not always be consistently achievable within a full mainstream classroom environment. Where appropriate, pupils may also access wider school life flexibly, depending on individual needs, preferences, and readiness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Phoenix School reports that the project currently supports over 200 pupils, including pupils with a formal autism diagnosis and those on the diagnostic pathway.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Specialist Classroom Provision Supports Autistic Pupils in Mainstream Schools&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From Phoenix School's published project summaries, the SCP approach places a strong emphasis on workforce development, consistency, and ongoing specialist input, rather than focusing solely on physical classroom design.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key elements described within the model include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Buddy system:&lt;/strong&gt; SCP teachers are paired with experienced Phoenix “buddy” teachers for modelling, advice, and follow-up support, including reciprocal visits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Outreach support:&lt;/strong&gt; Dedicated outreach input supports planning, teaching, and behaviour, with regular visits embedded into the model.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Training and shared practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Ongoing training and structured collaboration help build staff confidence and promote consistent approaches across participating schools.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Assessment approach:&lt;/strong&gt; Use of Phoenix Steps, a bespoke assessment framework designed to recognise progress below National Curriculum levels, supporting more meaningful target-setting and planning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, these elements are intended to support schools in developing specialist provision while maintaining strong links with mainstream settings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What School Leaders Are Exploring in Support for Autistic Pupils&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many school leaders and SEND teams are currently exploring ways to strengthen support for autistic pupils, build staff confidence, and create environments that reduce stress and improve engagement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This initiative offers one example of how specialist expertise can be shared across a network of schools, supported by structured systems designed to promote consistency and professional development. It is shared to contribute to wider conversations around inclusive practice and local collaboration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;Would You Like to Share a SEND Model, Practice or Approach from Your Setting?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is a practice spotlight, not a “best of” feature. Every school context is different, and there are many SEND initiatives taking place across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your setting is running an initiative that is helping to strengthen support for autistic pupils or wider SEND provision, for example, autism-inclusive classroom models, sensory regulation approaches, communication-first practice, reintegration pathways, or workforce development, then we would welcome hearing about it for consideration in a future spotlight.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Submit an initiative or suggest a future feature:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Email: &lt;a rel="noopener" href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk" target="_blank"&gt;info@axcis.co.uk&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;Considering SEND Staffing to Support Autistic Pupils&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your school is exploring ways to strengthen SEND provision and would like to discuss specialist staffing to support autistic pupils, additional needs, SEND classroom support, or longer-term placements, you can contact your Axcis consultant or email &lt;a rel="noopener" href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk" target="_blank"&gt;info@axcis.co.uk&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Further Information and Source Material &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This spotlight is based on information shared directly by Phoenix School, including published project and evaluation materials.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For readers who would like to explore the initiative in more detail, Phoenix has published an interim evaluation and &lt;a rel="noopener" href="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/media/velhesgi/specialist-classrooms-report-1.pdf" target="_blank" title="Phoenix School - Specialist Classrooms Report"&gt;report&lt;/a&gt; for the Specialist Classroom Provision, which outlines the project context, implementation approach, and early findings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This material is shared for transparency and contextual reference only.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This spotlight is shared for general interest purposes and does not constitute formal guidance or endorsement. Approaches and outcomes vary by setting, and schools should consider their own context, resources, and statutory responsibilities when reviewing or developing SEND provision.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:02:52 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-01-16T10:02:52Z</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4532</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2026/01/16/meet-the-axcis-team-hr1/</link>
      <category>schools</category>
      <category>clients</category>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <category>recruitment</category>
      <title>Meet the Axcis Team - HR</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Behind the Scenes at Axcis: Meet Our HR and Training Director&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we know that delivering high-quality SEND staffing support to schools starts behind the scenes. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain with a new series that introduces some of the senior leaders shaping how we support our staff, consultants, and most importantly, your school.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our clients often ask us how we maintain such a high level of consultancy quality and consistency. The answer? It starts with leadership, training, and HR processes that underpin every school placement we make, ensuring that the right people are supported to deliver the right outcomes for your setting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In this Q&amp;amp;A, we speak with &lt;strong&gt;Sara Wills, our HR and Training Director&lt;/strong&gt;, about her Axcis journey, the values driving her leadership, and the internal strategies that help us deliver on our promise to schools.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Tell us a little about your journey at Axcis – how did you get started, and what brought you into the world of SEND recruitment?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I had been in recruitment for 14 years before joining Axcis, so I was already familiar with the company through my work with schools. I joined in 2010 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant and immediately liked the way the consultants supported each other. It felt very different from what I was used to.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I quickly found myself learning new terminology and stepping into a world where what we do genuinely matters. The idea that a child could benefit from the right candidate placement really resonated with me. Visiting schools gave me a much better understanding of their needs and introduced me to tools like Makaton and PECS; things I’d never encountered before in recruitment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On a personal note, I have friends who are parents of children with SEND, and I’ve seen their struggles. It’s so important that children with SEND are given the same opportunities as anyone else to succeed in life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. What does your role as HR and Training Director involve, and how does it help ensure schools receive high-quality service from Axcis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;My role covers two main areas: HR and training. On the HR side, I oversee internal staff processes, policies, and procedures. On the training side, I support both new and existing team members to help them thrive within those processes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I’m deeply passionate about customer service, and I believe that if our consultants are well-trained and confident in their roles, they’re more capable of supporting the needs of our schools. Our training ensures that consultants really listen to their clients and work collaboratively with them to find effective, long-term solutions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. What do you believe makes Axcis different from other SEND recruitment agencies?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I’ve asked clients this question many times, and the feedback is almost always the same: Axcis stands out because of the quality of our candidates and the commitment of our internal staff to get it right.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our consultants have a deep understanding of SEND and know exactly what to look for in potential staff. Every Axcis branch has ex-educational professionals on hand to provide insight, which strengthens our service even more. Many of our school partners have worked with us for years because they trust our values, our experience, and our commitment to delivering high-quality, specialist support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. How does Axcis support its consultants to ensure they give their best to schools, pupils, and candidates?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis provides a robust training programme for both new and existing staff. This includes everything from understanding systems and policies to in-depth training on compliance and SEND.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We bring in internal and external trainers depending on the content, and we actively encourage the sharing of best practices across the company. In addition, our candidates have access to a wide range of CPD training opportunities to help support their own professional development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Where do you see the biggest opportunities or challenges for SEND recruitment in 2026 and beyond?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The growing awareness of SEND both in schools and in wider society is hugely positive. I’ve seen a lot of changes since I started in recruitment, and while we’ve come a long way, there’s still more to do.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We need to stay focused on continuous improvement so that we can keep driving better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Tell us something that people might not know about you?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I love singing out loud even though I’m completely out of tune! But don’t worry, I only do it at home!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What to Expect From Axcis &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We’ll be continuing this series in future newsletters and blogs, featuring more members of the Axcis senior leadership team. It’s all part of our commitment to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement because we know that the right people behind the scenes make all the difference in the classroom.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Interested in working with Axcis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re a school or alternative provision in need of specialist staffing or an education professional looking for a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;span&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/243244559942060" target="_blank"&gt;Fill in this form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; or reach out to your Axcis consultant&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The information contained in this blog is intended for general interest and background only. Any opinions expressed reflect the views of the contributor at the time of publishing and may not represent the views of Axcis Education Recruitment or its partner organisations. Please note that staff roles, locations and responsibilities may evolve over time.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:03:05 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2026-01-16T09:03:05Z</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2124</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/12/08/are-you-ready-for-the-new-term-checklist-for-supply-staff/</link>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>Are you ready for the new term? Checklist for supply staff</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Are you ready for the new term? Why not take a look through our handy checklist to be sure you have everything in hand before the new term starts?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;1. Make sure you have everything up to date&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Keep us up to date with your latest details – it will help us to find you work more quickly. If you don’t have an assignment already, then you’ll need to make sure there are no delays getting work at the start of a new term. The things you should check are up to date are:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;CV – Make sure you have sent an up to date CV to your consultant. If you need help to improve/enhance your CV, you could check out our &lt;a href="/candidates/useful-downloads-and-links/" title="Useful Downloads and Links"&gt;sample CV here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Referees – One of the key things which prevents us from offering assignments to our contractors is out of date paperwork, and in particular – references! So, make sure that you have these completely up to date by putting a call into our &lt;a href="/contact/compliance-team/" title="Compliance Team"&gt;compliance team&lt;/a&gt; and checking whether any more recent ones are needed.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;DBS – Make sure that your DBS check is still valid and up to date – without one, you simply can’t work in a school&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Availability – Does your consultant know which days of the week you are available? Axcis contractors can update their availability by using our simple online diary on the Axcis app or online – make sure yours has been filled in for the new term!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;2. Be proactive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many agency workers who have yet to accept an assignment for the coming term fall into the trap of assuming that they don’t need to do anything except sit and wait for the phone to ring with an offer of work. Although this is not strictly untrue, you might find that you secure work more quickly if you are proactive. Things you can do include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Apply for jobs – at Axcis, all of our jobs are advertised on our website. By applying, your consultant will receive a notification, and you will proceed directly to the shortlisted candidates who are being considered for the role. So get onto our &lt;a href="/jobs/" title="Jobs"&gt;jobs page&lt;/a&gt; today and start to apply for positions which appeal to you.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Follow up with a call – once you’ve applied online for jobs, if there are any for which you feel you are particularly suitable, follow it up with a phone call. There could have been lots of applications for the position, and you’ll want to make sure you stand out. So give the consultant mentioned on the job advert a ring and talk to them about the role and why you feel you are suitable. They may give you advice to tweak your CV or do other things which will help you to secure it, so it’s well worth the time spent picking up the phone.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Encourage your consultant to market your details – agencies will sometimes contact suitable schools on your behalf to let them know you are available for work. If you’d be keen for this to happen, it may be worth talking to your consultant and making sure they know how far you’d travel and what sort of schools you are keen on so that they can approach them on your behalf to seek out upcoming vacancies.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;3. Understand the types of SEND you’ll be supporting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When working with special educational needs and disabilities, it’s essential that you have a good idea of the types of SEND you’ll be supporting. If you have children with needs or conditions that you’ve not come across before, then it may be a good idea to undertake some training or do some research. Check out our &lt;a href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" title="CPD Training and Career Development"&gt;CPD Training and Career Development page&lt;/a&gt; and the &lt;a href="/about-us/events-diary/" title="Events Diary"&gt;Axcis events diary&lt;/a&gt; to see if we are running any courses which are useful to you. We offer a wealth of free CPD training as well as an extensive SEND resources section on our blog to help you on your way.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;4. Prep your lesson plans and support materials&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have already secured a role for the coming term, it’s a good idea to have some lesson plans and materials in hand ready to kick-start the new term and get your class off to a good start. Even if you don’t have a full timetable yet, or are waiting to secure some supply work, you can still do some prep. It never hurts to have some basic activities ready so you don’t get caught out unprepared!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Refer a friend for some extra cash!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you could do with some extra cash (and let’s face it – who couldn’t?) then it might be worth seeing if you have any friends, colleagues or family who would be suitable for special needs teaching or support work – so get your thinking cap on! &lt;a href="/candidates/refer-a-friend/" title="Refer a Friend"&gt;Click here&lt;/a&gt; for more info. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*Terms apply – contact your consultant for details.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:35:00 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-12-08T14:35:00Z</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4522</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/11/06/ace-your-send-education-job-interview/</link>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>Ace Your SEND Education Job Interview</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font22px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The 20-Word Introduction That Gets You the Job: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in SEND Interviews&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why First Impressions Matter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your interview begins long before you finish your first answer. The question “&lt;em&gt;Tell me about yourself&lt;/em&gt;” is asked in almost every SEND interview, and many educators lose the interview panel’s attention within 30 seconds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Why? Because they talk about themselves instead of what matters most: &lt;strong&gt;the pupils&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Mistake Most Education Professionals Make&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Interview panels often hear the same introduction again and again:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Qualifications and training dates&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Years of experience in order&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Job titles and school names&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Generic statements like “&lt;em&gt;I enjoy working with children&lt;/em&gt;”&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The issue? Your CV already tells that story. What interviewers are really asking is: “&lt;strong&gt;Why should we choose you for our pupils?&lt;/strong&gt;”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Story: TA Sarah’s Turning Point&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sarah, a Teaching Assistant, once began her answer with training dates and school names. She noticed the panel switch off.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At her next interview, she tried a new approach:&lt;br /&gt;“&lt;strong&gt;I help non-verbal pupils find their voice and join in with their classmates.&lt;/strong&gt;”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twelve words. The panel leaned forward. “&lt;em&gt;That’s exactly what we need, tell me more.&lt;/em&gt;”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This time, she got the job.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The 20-Word Interview Rule&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your introduction should be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Under 20 words&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Focused on pupil outcomes&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Specific enough to be memorable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Template:&lt;/strong&gt; “I help [&lt;em&gt;type of pupils&lt;/em&gt;] to [&lt;em&gt;key outcome&lt;/em&gt;] and [&lt;em&gt;key outcom&lt;/em&gt;e].”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;SEND Interview Examples That May Work Instead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;❌ “I’ve worked with SEMH pupils in primary and secondary schools.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✅ “I help pupils with anxiety and trauma to trust adults, manage emotions and succeed.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;❌ “I’m trained in Makaton and PECS.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✅ “I give non-verbal pupils tools to communicate, make choices and build friendships.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;❌ “I support pupils with sensory processing difficulties.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✅ “I help pupils with sensory needs feel regulated, focused and ready to learn.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why It Works&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A concise, pupil-focused introduction sparks curiosity. It makes the panel picture their own pupils benefiting from your support and invites deeper questions about your approach.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Make Your First Interview Impression Count&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your introduction is more than a formality; it’s your chance to show how you’ll make a difference for children and young people with SEND. Master those first 20 words, and you’ll set yourself apart from the very start.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Download the Free Cheat Sheet&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to keep these examples handy?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 Download our one-page &lt;a href="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/media/2iyjsncb/ace-your-send-education-job-interview.pdf"&gt;Interview Cheat Sheet&lt;/a&gt; for a quick reference to the 20-word rule, sample answers, and a simple action plan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;More Resources for Your SEND Journey&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📝 &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2024/07/15/mastering-your-cv-the-ultimate-guide-to-landing-your-dream-job/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" data-anchor="?utm_source=chatgpt.com"&gt;Mastering Your CV: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Your Dream Job&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;❓ &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2022/11/09/top-5-interview-questions-for-teachers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" data-anchor="?utm_source=chatgpt.com"&gt;Top 5 Interview Questions for Teachers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎒 &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/07/08/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-in-a-send-setting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" data-anchor="?utm_source=chatgpt.com"&gt;How to Prepare for Your First Day in a SEND Setting&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking for Your Next SEND Role?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we specialise in SEND recruitment across England and South Wales. By registering with us, you’ll get:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Free CPD training with access to 1,400+ webinars and 180+ online courses through the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" target="_blank"&gt;Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Exclusive &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/" target="_blank"&gt;SEND opportunities&lt;/a&gt; in schools nationwide&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/07/08/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-in-a-send-setting/" target="_blank"&gt;Axcis App&lt;/a&gt; to manage your work and admin quickly and easily&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ongoing support from consultants who understand SEND&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/candidates/enquiry-form-candidate" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Register with Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; today and let us help you find your ideal role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:01:54 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-11-06T06:01:54Z</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4521</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/09/29/supporting-family-fund-how-axcis-supports-children-families-and-send-communities/</link>
      <title>Supporting Family Fund | How Axcis Supports Children, Families and SEND Communities</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, supporting children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a &lt;strong&gt;specialist SEND teaching agency&lt;/strong&gt;, we work with schools, alternative provisions and colleges across England and South Wales, helping children and young people with additional needs access the support they deserve through exceptional education professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our commitment to making a positive difference doesn't stop when the school day ends.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Throughout our partnership with &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.familyfund.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Family Fund&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, colleagues across Axcis came together to raise money, increase awareness and support families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From office fundraising events to personal challenges, every activity reflected the teamwork, compassion and community spirit that are such an important part of Axcis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Why Family Fund?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a specialist SEND teaching agency, Axcis works closely with children, young people and families affected by SEND and additional needs. We see first-hand the positive difference that the right support, resources and opportunities can make to families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Family Fund is the UK's largest charity providing grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Their grants help provide practical items such as specialist equipment, sensory toys, clothing, technology, kitchen appliances and family breaks, helping ease some of the financial pressures many families experience while caring for children with additional needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supporting Family Fund was a natural fit with Axcis' commitment to helping children, young people and families thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Team Effort Across Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Colleagues across Axcis organised and participated in a wide range of fundraising activities throughout our partnership, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Charity bake sales&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sponsored sporting events&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Office fundraising activities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Team challenges&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Donations and awareness campaigns&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every event, no matter how big or small, contributed towards helping Family Fund continue its important work supporting families across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More importantly, these activities brought colleagues together around a shared purpose that reflects the values we see every day through our work in SEND education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 390px; height: 293px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/b3kfz1de/axcis-south-west-bake-sale-for-family-fund-disabled-children.jpg?width=390&amp;amp;height=293&amp;amp;mode=max" alt="Axcis South West team bake sale for Family Fund"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Axcis South West team bake sale.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Joshua's London Marathon Challenge&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One particularly inspiring fundraising achievement came from &lt;strong&gt;Joshua Halliday&lt;/strong&gt; in our &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/contact/liverpool-lancashire-team/" target="_blank"&gt;Liverpool&lt;/a&gt; team.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After months of training, Josh completed the &lt;strong&gt;2026 London Marathon&lt;/strong&gt; in support of Family Fund.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;His determination and commitment helped raise an incredible amount for the charity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recognising this fantastic achievement, Axcis matched Josh's fundraising as part of our wider support for Family Fund.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Josh's marathon perfectly demonstrated how one person's commitment can inspire colleagues across the business while helping improve the lives of families raising disabled or seriously ill children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 313px; height: 500px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/trubaawk/josh-london-marathon.jpg?width=313&amp;amp;height=500" alt="Joshua Halliday completing the 2026 London Marathon in support of Family Fund"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Joshua Halliday, London Marathon 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo source credit: &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sportograf.com/en" target="_blank"&gt;sportograf.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Support Family Fund&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our fundraising campaign may be drawing to a close, but every contribution makes a difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you'd like to support our fundraising efforts for Family Fund, you can still donate using the links below. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🩷 &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/axcis-education-family-fund" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Donate to Axcis' Family Fund campaign&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🩷 &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/joshua-halliday-2" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Support Joshua's London Marathon fundraiser&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Every Contribution Made a Difference&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Josh's marathon was just one example of the many fundraising activities that took place across Axcis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Throughout our partnership, colleagues supported Family Fund in many different ways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some organised fundraising events. Some baked cakes. Some made donations. Others volunteered their time or encouraged family, friends and colleagues to get involved.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, these efforts helped raise valuable funds while increasing awareness of the challenges many families raising children with SEND and additional needs face every day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking Back with Pride&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supporting Family Fund was an important chapter in Axcis' commitment to supporting children, young people and families beyond education recruitment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While charitable partnerships naturally evolve over time, the generosity, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by colleagues throughout this fundraising journey remain something we're incredibly proud of.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every challenge completed, every cake baked and every donation made helped contribute towards improving the lives of families across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Our Family Fund Journey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During our partnership with Family Fund, colleagues across Axcis supported the charity through a variety of fundraising activities, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Charity bake sales across our branches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sponsored fundraising events&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Joshua Halliday completing the 2026 London Marathon&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Axcis matching Josh's fundraising as part of our wider support for Family Fund&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ongoing fundraising and awareness activities throughout the partnership&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, these efforts helped support Family Fund's mission to improve the lives of families raising disabled or seriously ill children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Thank You&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you to everyone who supported our Family Fund fundraising efforts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you donated, organised an event, took on a fundraising challenge or simply helped spread the word, every contribution made a difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, we helped support an incredible charity making a positive impact on families across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Partner with Axcis - Specialist SEND Teaching Agency&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're an &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;education professional looking for your next opportunity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or a &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/schools/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;school seeking exceptional SEND teaching and education support staff&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Axcis is here to help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a specialist SEND teaching agency, we support schools, alternative provisions and colleges across England and South Wales while helping education professionals build rewarding careers supporting children and young people with SEND and additional needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Alongside our recruitment expertise, we're proud to invest in the people and communities we support through professional development, wellbeing initiatives and charitable partnerships.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Explore Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking for your next role?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Register your interest with Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/span&gt;to discover flexible supply, long-term and permanent opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking to recruit?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/axcis/enquiry-form" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;Submit an enquiry to Axcis&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to find out how we can help your school recruit high-quality SEND teaching and education support staff.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:35:55 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-09-29T11:35:55+01:00</a10:updated>
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      <guid isPermaLink="false">4520</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/09/22/using-bsl-in-schools-insights-careers-resources-for-inclusive-education/</link>
      <title>Using BSL in Schools: Insights, Careers &amp; Resources for Inclusive Education</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font26px"&gt;Why Your BSL Skills Are Invaluable in SEND Education&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;British Sign Language (BSL) is more than just a communication tool; it’s a gateway to inclusion, belonging, and access for thousands of deaf and hearing-impaired students across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're qualified in BSL or working towards it, your skills are in high demand in mainstream and specialist school settings. Your ability to sign can help bridge communication gaps, support learning, and transform outcomes for pupils with additional needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re a teaching assistant, communication support worker, or an educator with a passion for inclusion, this blog offers a roundup of useful insights, guidance, and resources to help you make the most of your BSL journey in education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Why Your BSL Skills Matter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BSL is the first or preferred language of around 87,000 deaf people in the UK, and it's used by thousands more with additional communication needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In education, your ability to sign empowers students by giving them direct access to lessons, instructions, and social interactions. It’s not just about translating speech, it’s about connection, confidence, and helping every pupil feel understood.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your qualification is a powerful tool for fostering inclusive classrooms and creating learning environments where all children can thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Recognition That Reflects Your Value&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2022, BSL was officially recognised as a language in UK law, a pivotal moment for the deaf community and for inclusive education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now, with a BSL GCSE in development and increasing awareness around communication needs, your skills are more important than ever. Schools are actively seeking staff who can help deaf students access the curriculum and feel part of the wider school community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;How BSL Is Used in the Classroom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a BSL-qualified professional, you might find yourself supporting pupils in a wide range of ways, such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;One-to-one or small group support for deaf or hearing-impaired pupils&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Signing key instructions or routines to support understanding&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping to deliver lessons using visual cues and signs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Encouraging peer-to-peer communication and inclusion&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BSL can also benefit pupils with autism or other communication differences who respond well to structured visual language.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Career Opportunities for BSL-Qualified Educators&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is a steady demand for BSL-trained staff in education, especially in SEND provisions and specialist settings. Roles might include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND Teaching Assistant (TA)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Communication Support Worker (CSW)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inclusion or Behaviour Mentor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support staff in hearing impairment units or resource bases&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're fully qualified or currently studying BSL, there are many ways your skills can be applied in school environments, and every sign you make can make a difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Recommended Resources for BSL Educators&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're looking to refresh your knowledge or deepen your expertise, these free and paid tools can help:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.british-sign.co.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;British-Sign.co.uk&lt;/a&gt; – Courses, quizzes, and fingerspelling charts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.signbsl.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Sign BSL&lt;/a&gt; – Online BSL dictionary with video demos&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.lingvano.com/bsl/" target="_blank"&gt;Lingvano&lt;/a&gt; – Interactive BSL learning platform&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ndcs.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;National Deaf Children's Society&lt;/a&gt; – Guidance, posters, and teaching resources&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These platforms are ideal for classroom support staff, trainee teachers, or anyone preparing to work with deaf students.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Because Inclusion Starts With Communication&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every sign you make in the classroom helps remove barriers, fosters confidence, and makes sure no child feels left behind. When you sign, you’re not just supporting learning, you’re supporting dignity, visibility, and access.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you’re ready to take the next step in your BSL career, &lt;a href="/register/"&gt;register with Axcis today&lt;/a&gt;. We work with mainstream and specialist schools across the UK who are actively seeking BSL-qualified staff to support their students.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know someone who’s BSL-qualified?&lt;/strong&gt; Please share this blog with them because your share might help place the perfect candidate in a school that needs them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Together, we can make classrooms more inclusive, one sign at a time.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:27:24 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-09-22T16:27:24+01:00</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">4510</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/09/09/axcis-candidate-of-the-term-awards/</link>
      <title>Axcis Candidate of the Term Awards</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Celebrating the Best in SEND Teaching and Support Staff&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Did You Know Axcis Celebrates a Candidate of the Term?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we believe that outstanding work deserves to be recognised, and that’s why, every term, we shine a spotlight on the exceptional teaching and support staff working in schools and alternative provisions across the country through our Candidate of the Term programme.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it's a teaching assistant who goes above and beyond to support a child with complex needs or a teacher who consistently brings positivity, patience, and professionalism into the classroom, these individuals are the heartbeat of what we do, and we want to celebrate them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Does It Work?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every academic term, Axcis encourages schools, alternative provisions like PRUs (Pupil Referral Units), and other specialist educational settings to submit nominations for any Axcis candidate who has made a meaningful impact in their setting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We ask consultants to reach out to their school partners to gather feedback and encourage them to submit nominations. This could be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A note of thanks from a school leader&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A story about a candidate going above and beyond&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A general acknowledgement of outstanding service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These nominations are collected and reviewed by the Axcis team, and from there, winners are selected for each region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎉 Winners receive a gift voucher and a certificate as a small token of our appreciation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✨ Nominees receive a certificate to acknowledge their contribution and commitment for going the extra mile.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why We Do It&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Candidate of the Term programme is more than just a gesture; it's a celebration of dedication, passion, and perseverance. Our candidates work in some of the most challenging yet rewarding environments in education, including with pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or those excluded from mainstream education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recognising their impact helps build confidence, boosts morale, and reinforces what we already know - that our candidates are truly making a difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Recognition at Every Level&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Celebrating excellence isn’t new to Axcis. In fact, we’ve been supporting recognition across the SEND sector for many years. We’re proud to have sponsored the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/about-us/charitable-partnerships/" target="_blank"&gt;nasen&lt;/a&gt; Awards since the event’s inception, an annual ceremony that honours individuals and organisations doing exceptional work to support children and young people with SEND.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it’s celebrating nationwide achievements at the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://nasen.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;nasen&lt;/a&gt; Awards or recognising the day-to-day heroes through our Candidate of the Term awards, Axcis is committed to shining a light on the people making a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Help Us Celebrate More Axcis Stars&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;🌟&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you work with an Axcis candidate who deserves recognition, don’t keep it to yourself! Speak to your Axcis consultant about &lt;a href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk"&gt;submitting a nomination&lt;/a&gt; or reach out directly to your &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/contact/" target="_blank"&gt;local branch&lt;/a&gt;. You never know how much a simple “thank you” can mean to someone who gives their all, every single day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Want to see some of our past winners?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Follow us on &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/axcis-education" target="_blank"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/AxcisEducationRecruitment" target="_blank"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, where we regularly feature our Candidate of the Term stars.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, let’s continue to champion the incredible work being done in SEND education.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:59:18 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-09-09T14:59:18+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2174</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/07/16/your-next-education-role-starts-with-axcis/</link>
      <category>Job seeking resources</category>
      <category>Teaching Assistants</category>
      <category>Teachers</category>
      <title>Your Next Education Role Starts with Axcis</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Are you ready to find a role that truly matters? &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're an experienced SEND professional, a teacher, an Early Career Teacher (ECT) beginning your journey in the classroom, a graduate exploring your first position in a school, or someone considering a rewarding career change, Axcis Education Recruitment has exciting opportunities available right now.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We partner with schools, specialist SEND provisions, and alternative education provisions across England and South Wales who are all actively seeking passionate, caring, and dedicated staff to support vulnerable children and young people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis is a long-standing corporate partner of &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="/about-us/charitable-partnerships/" title="Axcis Corporate Partnershio with nasen"&gt;nasen&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;(The National Association for Special Educational Needs) and is proud to be &lt;strong&gt;part of Edwin&lt;/strong&gt;, one of the UK's leading education services groups. When you register with us, you're backed by real sector expertise and a network built around education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Why Register with Axcis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we specialise in SEND recruitment and place candidates into a broad range of school environments, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nursery schools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Primary schools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; Secondary schools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;FE or Post 16 Colleges&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; Alternative provisions&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Specialist SEND schools&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We recruit for a variety of roles to suit different skills, experience levels, and career goals, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND Support Staff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behaviour Mentors or TAs with SEMH experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Learning Support Assistants&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Autism or Non-verbal Communication Support Workers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nursery Assistants&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lunchtime Supervisors&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Exam Invigilators&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cover Teachers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Early Career Teachers (ECTs)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, temporary, or long-term work, we'll help you find the right fit.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. No Experience? No Problem.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You don't need years of classroom experience to begin a fulfilling career in SEND education. Axcis welcomes candidates from all backgrounds, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Graduates (including psychology, mental health, and social science)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Early Career Teachers (ECTs) completing or recently finishing their induction&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Career changers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Youth workers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sports coaches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support workers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Parents and carers with transferable skills&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Job seekers looking to gain school-based experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're an ECT, Axcis can help you find placements that support your induction, build your confidence, and set the foundation for a long and rewarding teaching career. We understand the ECT journey and work hard to match you with schools that will genuinely invest in your development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're passionate about supporting children and young people more broadly, many schools value attitude, empathy, and a willingness to learn just as highly as formal qualifications. We'll help you take that first step with confidence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Please note:&lt;/em&gt; to register with Axcis you must already be living in the UK with the right to work in the UK, and be based within our service areas across England and South Wales.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Local Opportunities, Expert Support, and Trusted Sector Credentials&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our specialist recruitment teams work across &lt;a href="/contact/" title="Axcis Team Details"&gt;England&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="/contact/south-wales-team/" title="Axcis South Wales"&gt;South Wales&lt;/a&gt;, helping candidates find opportunities close to home. We take the time to understand your skills, interests, and ambitions so we can match you with schools and provisions where you'll truly thrive, not just fill a vacancy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis is a long-standing corporate partner of nasen, the leading professional organisation supporting those who work with children and young people with SEND. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to the SEND sector and keeps us connected to the latest thinking, policy, and best practice in special educational needs and disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We are also proud to be part of Edwin, one of the UK's leading education services groups. Being part of Edwin means our candidates benefit from the backing of a wider network of education expertise, resources, and support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where We Work&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We currently place candidates across the following areas:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis London:&lt;/strong&gt; All London boroughs, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis South West:&lt;/strong&gt; Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Devon, Dorset and Cornwall:&lt;/strong&gt; Exeter, East Devon, Torbay, South Hams, North Devon, Plymouth, Bude, Bodmin, St Austell, Newquay, Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, Dorset&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Liverpool:&lt;/strong&gt; Cheshire West, Chester, Chorley, Halton, Knowsley, Lancashire, Liverpool, Ormskirk, Preston, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan, Wirral, Wrexham&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Manchester:&lt;/strong&gt; Manchester, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Cheshire East, Derbyshire&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Midlands:&lt;/strong&gt; West Midlands (Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall), Telford &amp;amp; Wrekin, Staffordshire (including Stoke-on-Trent &amp;amp; Rugeley), Worcestershire, Warwickshire (including Warwick, Rugby, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Nuneaton &amp;amp; Bedworth), Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Peterborough, Shropshire (including Shrewsbury)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis South Wales:&lt;/strong&gt; Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Don't see your area listed? &lt;a href="/register/" title="Register with Axcis"&gt;Register&lt;/a&gt; anyway and speak to your nearest consultant - we're always expanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Free CPD and Ongoing Career Development&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a registered Axcis candidate, you'll gain access to a range of free, certified &lt;a href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" title="Axcis Training and CPD"&gt;Continuing Professional Development (CPD)&lt;/a&gt; resources designed to help you through the &lt;a href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" title="The Axcis Academy"&gt;Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt; in partnership with the National College:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Build confidence working in SEND settings&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Develop classroom and behaviour management skills&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Strengthen your safeguarding knowledge&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Advance your professional development at every stage&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For ECTs in particular, ongoing CPD is a vital part of your induction period, and we're here to support that from day one.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We're committed to supporting your growth, from your first placement to your long-term career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. New Roles Added Every Day&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Education vacancies move quickly, especially in the SEND sector. New teaching assistant jobs, SEND support roles, Teaching or ECT positions, and school opportunities become available daily across England and South Wales. Even if you don't see your ideal role listed today, registering with Axcis means you can:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create your candidate profile&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use the Axcis App to quickly and easily update your availability, and more&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Speak directly with a local consultant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Receive alerts for suitable new roles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Be considered for vacancies before they're advertised publicly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your next role could already be waiting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Refer a Friend and Earn Rewards&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Know someone who'd be great in education? &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="/candidates/refer-a-friend/" title="Refer a Friend to Axcis"&gt;Refer them to Axcis&lt;/a&gt;,&lt;/strong&gt; and you could earn a £50 Amazon voucher through our referral scheme while helping someone you know start a rewarding new career, and there's even a bonus for them, depending on the T&amp;amp;Cs, of course, but &lt;strong&gt;it's a win for everyone&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Make a Difference - Starting This September&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The new academic year is the perfect time to find your next role in education. Every day in a school is an opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're an experienced SEND specialist, a teacher, an ECT ready to begin your induction, or someone taking their very first steps into education, Axcis Education Recruitment is the teaching agency that is here to help you find meaningful work across England and South Wales where your skills and compassion truly matter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Register with Axcis today: &lt;a href="http://www.axcis.co.uk/register"&gt;www.axcis.co.uk/register&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:04:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-07-16T11:04:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3495</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/07/08/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-in-a-send-setting/</link>
      <category>candidates</category>
      <category>how to</category>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <category>Job seeking resources</category>
      <title>How to Prepare for Your First Day in a SEND Setting</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Starting a new role in a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) setting is an exciting opportunity, but it’s completely normal to have a few first-day butterflies! Whether you're a seasoned educator stepping into a new environment or supporting children for the very first time, a bit of preparation goes a long way.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here’s how to set yourself up for success on day one:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Confirm the Details&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Save your Axcis consultant’s contact details&lt;/strong&gt; in your phone and keep a hard copy as well in case you misplace your phone and need to contact them for support on the day.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Check the Axcis App&lt;/strong&gt; beforehand for booking details, including the school’s name, contact person, address, and map link.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;        Don’t have the Axcis App yet? Download it now on &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.axcis_mobile_application" target="_blank" data-anchor="?id=com.axcis_mobile_application"&gt;Google Play&lt;/a&gt; or the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/axcis-education/id1554835434" target="_blank"&gt;Apple Store&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plan your journey in advance:&lt;/strong&gt; Check bus/train timetables or parking options and give yourself extra time for delays.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understand school-specific policies:&lt;/strong&gt; Every school is different, so make a note to gather all relevant information from the contact person on arrival.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;        Examples include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;        · The school’s Safeguarding and Behavioural Policies&lt;br /&gt;        · EHCP plans for each student that you’ll be supporting&lt;br /&gt;        · Ask if there is any information you need to know about the setting or students.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dress code:&lt;/strong&gt; All Axcis candidates complete our safeguarding training, which includes key guidance on the appropriate dress code. When in doubt, opt for smart-casual and always avoid jeans, open-toed or high-heeled shoes, or shorts (unless you’re in a PE or outdoor role).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Pack the Essentials&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here’s a quick checklist of what to bring:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Notepad, pens, and any stationery you may need for the day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your photo ID and your DBS certificate&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Observe, Listen, and Adapt&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No two SEND settings are alike. Take time to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Observe how staff interact with students&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Learn the school’s routines and expectations&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Identify communication strategies in use (e.g. visuals, Makaton, BSL)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🙋 Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Showing a willingness to learn is always appreciated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Stay Calm and Be Flexible&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working in SEND often means embracing the unexpected. Students may need extra time, or activities may shift midday. Your ability to remain calm, patient, and adaptable is key.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Reflect and Check In&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the end of the day, take a moment to reflect:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What went well?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What did you learn?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Is there anything you’d like more support with?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your Axcis consultant is always happy to hear how it went and guide you if needed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bonus Tip: Keep Growing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to boost your confidence even further? Registered Axcis candidates get free access to Axcis Academy, our &lt;a href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/"&gt;CPD platform&lt;/a&gt; powered by The National College, with over 1,400 webinars and 180+ courses tailored to SEND professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;a href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Click here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to explore Axcis Academy&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Still Looking for Your Next Role?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis is always on the lookout for passionate teaching and support staff to join our growing community. Whether you're new to SEND or an experienced professional, we’d love to help you find a rewarding position that fits your skills and interests.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/register/" target="_blank"&gt;Register with Axcis today&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Remember, &lt;strong&gt;your presence makes a difference&lt;/strong&gt;. You’re not just filling a role, you’re helping to shape a better future for the young people you support. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-07-08T12:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3386</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/05/27/what-schools-actually-notice-on-send-cvs/</link>
      <category>Job seeking resources</category>
      <title>What Schools Actually Notice on SEND CVs</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;When schools review applications for SEND teaching and support roles, they are often looking beyond qualifications alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In busy school environments, CVs are usually scanned quite quickly at first. SENDCOs, senior leaders, and recruitment teams are often trying to understand one key thing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Can this candidate realistically support pupils within our setting?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That’s why strong SEND CVs are not always the longest or most detailed. Often, the CVs that stand out most clearly explain a candidate’s experience, communication style, confidence, and ability to consistently support children and young people in educational settings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you are applying for SEND teaching assistant jobs, one-to-one support roles, behaviour support positions, learning support assistant opportunities, or wider education support staff jobs, understanding what schools actually notice on a CV can help you present your experience more effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schools Often Look for Specific SEND Experience&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the first things schools usually notice is whether candidates clearly explain the types of pupils and additional needs they have supported.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instead of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;Worked with SEND pupils.&lt;/em&gt;”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;it is often more helpful to include &lt;strong&gt;specific experience where possible&lt;/strong&gt;, such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Autism&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;ADHD&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEMH&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Speech and Language needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Complex learning difficulties&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Behavioural needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Physical disabilities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sensory needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This helps schools quickly understand the environments and pupil needs you may already feel confident supporting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You do not need to overcomplicate this section, but clarity can make a significant difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Communication and Consistency Matter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many SEND teaching and support roles involve much more than classroom supervision alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schools are often looking for candidates who can:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;remain calm under pressure&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;communicate clearly with pupils and staff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;build positive relationships&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;support emotional regulation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;follow routines consistently&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;create a safe and supportive learning environment&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These qualities are often just as valuable as qualifications or years of experience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Candidates with backgrounds in:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;care work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;youth work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;sports or other coaching&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;childcare&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;mentoring&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;support work&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;may already have highly transferable skills that schools value within SEND settings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font18px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Generic CV Profiles Can Hold Candidates Back&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the most common mistakes on SEND CVs is using profiles that feel too broad or vague.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For example:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Hardworking team player with a passion for education.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While positive, this wording does not tell schools much about your actual experience or strengths.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instead, try briefly explaining:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the environments you have worked in&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the pupils you have supported&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the type of support you provided&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;what you enjoy about SEND education&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Even small adjustments can help your CV feel more relevant and personalised.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="4778" data-end="4918"&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schools Often Notice Impact and Approach&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="4778" data-end="4918"&gt;Schools are not necessarily expecting perfect corporate CVs. What they often want to understand is how candidates support pupils day to day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="4920" data-end="5040"&gt;Rather than simply listing duties, it can help to explain your approach or the impact of your support where appropriate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="5042" data-end="5066"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For example, instead of:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="5042" data-end="5066"&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Supported pupils during lessons.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="5106" data-end="5120"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;you could say:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="5106" data-end="5120"&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Supported pupils with Autism and SEMH needs to remain engaged during classroom activities and transitions.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start="5234" data-end="5314"&gt;This gives schools a clearer picture of your experience and communication style.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical Information Is More Important Than Many Candidates Realise&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Schools and recruitment teams may also quickly look for:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;availability&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;location&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;preferred age groups&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;willingness to work across different settings&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;driving status&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;classroom experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SEND experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Keeping this information clear and up to date can help improve opportunities and speed up the recruitment process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strong SEND CVs Help Schools Picture You in Their Setting&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ultimately, strong SEND CVs help schools visualise how a candidate may fit into their environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schools are often looking for people who are:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;reliable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;adaptable&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;patient&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;proactive&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;supportive&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;willing to learn&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A clear, honest, and well-structured CV can go a long way in helping schools recognise your strengths and experience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Once your CV helps secure an interview, preparation becomes equally important. Our blog, &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/blog/articles/2025/11/06/ace-your-send-education-job-interview/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ace Your SEND Education Job Interview&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, explores practical ways candidates can build confidence and communicate their experience more effectively during SEND school interviews.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you are currently exploring SEND teaching or education support staff opportunities, keeping your CV updated and tailored to the roles you are applying for can make a real difference.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To explore current SEND teaching assistant jobs, SEND support staff roles, and education opportunities across England and South Wales, register with Axcis today:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/register" target="_blank"&gt;https://www.axcis.co.uk/register&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-27T14:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3489</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/05/21/why-send-education-could-be-the-career-move-you-didn-t-know-you-needed/</link>
      <title>Why SEND Education Could Be the Career Move You Didn’t Know You Needed</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Are you feeling stuck, uninspired, or burnt out in your current teaching or classroom support role? Maybe you’ve been in mainstream education for a while and crave more meaningful, one-to-one connections. Or perhaps you're exploring a new career path that allows you to genuinely make a difference every single day.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a rewarding move into SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) education, and Axcis is here to help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Make a Tangible, Daily Impact&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In SEND education, progress looks different, and that’s what makes it powerful. Whether you're helping a non-verbal child communicate using visual communication or supporting an autistic student through their school day, the impact you make is real, measurable, and felt immediately.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;👣 &lt;em&gt;Every small step forward is a giant leap for a SEND learner, and you'd become part of that empowering journey.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Experience More Meaningful Connections&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Working closely with a smaller number of pupils often means you’ll develop strong, trusting relationships. Many SEND professionals say the emotional connection they build with students is what keeps them motivated and fulfilled.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;💬 &lt;em&gt;You’re not just delivering lessons; you’re changing lives.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Break Free From Burnout&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND settings tend to offer a slower pace, smaller class sizes, and more support from specialist staff. For many, the move into SEND has reignited their passion for teaching, offering a better balance and deeper sense of purpose.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;🌱 &lt;em&gt;Feel re-energised in a role that truly values your presence and input.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Gain Specialist Skills and Confidence&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With Axcis, you don’t need SEND experience to get started. All you need is a passionate desire, empathy and compassion to commit to empowering and making a positive difference in the lives of children or young people with additional needs like SEND, SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health). We provide free, high-quality CPD through &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; in partnership with The National College. With over 180 online courses and 1,400+ on-demand webinars, you can develop your skills at your own pace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;🎓 &lt;em&gt;Learn everything from Autism Awareness to Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health support for students, Safeguarding, and more, with full support from our team.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Join a Supportive Network That Puts You First&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we specialise in SEND recruitment. That means our consultants understand the schools, the students, and the needs of the people we place. We work with thousands of schools across England and Wales and pride ourselves on matching you with the right role, not just any role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;🤝 &lt;em&gt;Whether you're looking for part-time, full-time, short-term or permanent work, we’ve got you covered.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to Make the Move?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You don’t need to wait for a sign, this is it. If you’re ready to turn your passion for education into purpose-driven work, SEND could be the career move you didn’t know you needed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;👉 Register with Axcis today and start your journey into SEND education:&lt;br /&gt;🔗 &lt;a href="/register/"&gt;https://www.axcis.co.uk/register/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;Not for you, but you know someone who might be interested&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis offers a generous &lt;strong&gt;Refer a Friend&lt;/strong&gt; program that benefits both you and your friend(s) - everyone wins! Go ahead and &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/refer-a-friend/" target="_blank"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to learn more. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-21T15:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3488</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/05/09/what-makes-a-great-send-teaching-assistant/</link>
      <title>What Makes a Great SEND Teaching Assistant?</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Working as a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Teaching Assistant is one of the most rewarding roles in education, but also one of the most challenging. At Axcis, we believe that behind every successful SEND placement is a Teaching Assistant with a unique blend of compassion, resilience, and adaptability.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So what exactly makes a great SEND TA? Whether you're new to the profession or thinking of registering with Axcis, here are some key qualities schools look for and why they matter so much in the SEND classroom.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Patience is Everything&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Students with additional needs may require more time to complete tasks, express themselves, or regulate their emotions. A great SEND TA remains calm, supportive, and encouraging, no matter how challenging the day becomes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🧘 &lt;em&gt;Patience helps build trust and keeps the learning environment safe and consistent.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Emotional Resilience&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some days can be tough, emotionally and mentally. A great TA doesn’t take things personally and can bounce back with positivity. They are calm in a crisis and can provide steady support during difficult moments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;💪 &lt;em&gt;Your resilience creates stability for the students who need it most.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Strong Communication Skills&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it’s verbal, visual, or non-verbal communication (such as Makaton or BSL), being able to understand and be understood is essential. Great TAs also communicate well with teachers, parents, and therapists.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🗣️ &lt;em&gt;Every successful team starts with good communication.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Teamwork &amp;amp; Initiative&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND TAs are often part of a larger team that includes teachers, support staff, and external specialists. Being a team player who can also take initiative makes a huge difference in how seamlessly the classroom runs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🤝 &lt;em&gt;You’re never working alone, but your contribution matters every single day. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Flexibility &amp;amp; Adaptability&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Plans often change, especially in SEND environments. A great TA adapts their approach to meet the needs of each student and is ready to shift roles, techniques, or expectations at a moment’s notice.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🔄 &lt;em&gt;Being flexible means you’re always putting the student’s needs first.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Desire to Learn and Grow&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SEND education is constantly evolving. Great TAs actively seek out opportunities to learn new strategies and interventions. At Axcis, we support this with free access to 180+ online CPD courses through &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/" target="_blank"&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎓 &lt;em&gt;Professional development empowers you and your students.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Could You Be a Great SEND TA?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're passionate about making a difference, love working with children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and have the right mindset, this could be the perfect job role for you. At Axcis, we work with schools across England and Wales to place amazing people like you in meaningful SEND roles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to take the next step?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Register with Axcis today and let us help you find your perfect SEND role:&lt;br /&gt;🔗 &lt;a href="/register/"&gt;https://www.axcis.co.uk/register/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-05-09T12:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3486</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/04/28/win-a-free-ticket-to-nasen-live-2025/</link>
      <title>Win a Free Ticket to nasen LIVE 2025</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Win a Free Ticket to nasen LIVE 2025 – Worth £109!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We’re thrilled to be once again sponsoring &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://nasen.org.uk/nasen-live" target="_blank"&gt;nasen LIVE&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; – the must-attend annual event for professionals working in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Taking place on&lt;strong&gt; Friday 4th July 2025&lt;/strong&gt; at the &lt;strong&gt;Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham&lt;/strong&gt;, nasen LIVE 2025 will focus on the theme: “&lt;strong&gt;Preparation for Life&lt;/strong&gt;.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This year’s agenda shines a spotlight on:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;- How technology is empowering learners&lt;br&gt;- The positive impact of alternative provision&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Real-life success stories from educators and young people alike.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Expect an inspiring day packed with practical insights, expert speakers, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusive education.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis and nasen: A Proud Partnership&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we’ve proudly supported nasen for over a decade, and our partnership has continued to go from strength to strength.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Through our sponsorship, we help nasen offer high-quality CPD, resources, and support to teachers, leaders, SENCOs and support staff working across the UK through platforms like &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Whole School SEND&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. This plays a vital role in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by helping schools to embed inclusive practices at every level.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it’s sponsoring key events like nasen LIVE, contributing to nasen Connect magazine, or championing inclusive recruitment through our own services, Axcis is committed to supporting the SEND community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Enter to Win a Free Ticket – Worth £109!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To celebrate our ongoing partnership, we’re giving away a FREE ticket to nasen LIVE 2025 (normally priced at £109).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://forms.axcis.co.uk/team/client/nasen-live-giveaway-2025"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Click here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to enter and be in with a chance to join us at this inspirational event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let’s keep working together to empower educators, uplift learners, and make SEND support stronger across every setting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Axcis Can Support You&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're &lt;strong&gt;a school in need of dedicated SEND staff&lt;/strong&gt;, or &lt;strong&gt;a teacher or SEND education support professional&lt;/strong&gt; seeking your next role in a setting where you can truly make a difference – Axcis is here to help.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With over 20 years’ experience and a specialist focus on SEND, we take the time to understand your unique needs and match the right people with the right roles. From day-to-day supply to long-term and permanent placements, we’ve got you covered.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;Scan the QR to get in touch with your local Axcis team today to find out how we can support your recruitment or career journey, or go to our &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="/contact/"&gt;Contacts page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to find your closet Axcis team for direct support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/ev2phcon/axcis-official-qr.jpg" alt=""&gt;&lt;img style="width: 124px; height: 125px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/ev2phcon/axcis-official-qr.jpg?width=124&amp;amp;height=125&amp;amp;mode=max" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Together, we can create brighter futures for every learner.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;This giveaway is exclusively for Axcis clients. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;Entries close at 6pm on Friday, 30th May 2025.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;For full details, view our giveaway terms and conditions &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/terms-and-conditions-for-competitions-and-giveaways/" target="_blank"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-04-28T12:00:00+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3457</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2025/01/22/5-practical-strategies-to-support-inclusive-learning/</link>
      <category>Recruitment Resources</category>
      <title>5 Practical Strategies to Support Inclusive Learning</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font22px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5 Practical Strategies to Support Inclusive Learning&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;At Axcis Education Recruitment, we are dedicated to connecting exceptional SEND professionals with schools that truly value their expertise. We understand the challenges educators face in meeting diverse needs in the classroom. That’s why we’re sharing five practical strategies to help you create an inclusive, effective learning environment for every student.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) requires a tailored approach that meets diverse learning needs. Here are five proven strategies to create an inclusive and effective learning environment for all students:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Supporting Autistic Students &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategy:&lt;/strong&gt; Use clear, literal language and avoid idioms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Classroom Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Create a visual schedule and provide advance notice of any changes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it works:&lt;/strong&gt; Predictability and clear communication reduce anxiety and support understanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/aprpidqd/axcis-complaints-policy-and-procedure-for-axcis-customers-dec-24.pdf" alt=""&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/o1kgyzyv/visual-learning-makaton-pecs-axcis.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Supporting students with ADHD&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategy:&lt;/strong&gt; Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Classroom Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Allow movement by incorporating activities like standing desks or task-based movement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it works:&lt;/strong&gt; Providing structure and physical outlets helps students stay focused.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/tpvjokc5/adhd-movement.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Supporting students with Dyslexia&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategy:&lt;/strong&gt; Provide multi-sensory learning opportunities, such as using touch, sight, and sound.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Classroom Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Use audiobooks and coloured overlays for reading materials.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it works:&lt;/strong&gt; Multi-sensory approaches engage different areas of the brain, improving comprehension.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/gqjnmpdj/audio-books-dyslexia.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Supporting Students with Speech and Language Disorders&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategy:&lt;/strong&gt; Use visual aids and gestures to reinforce verbal instructions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Classroom Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Provide extra time for responses and encourage peer interaction during discussions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it works:&lt;/strong&gt; Visual support and patience foster confidence and understanding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/d54ffd4t/speech-and-language.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Supporting Students with Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) needs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategy:&lt;/strong&gt; Develop a behaviour management plan tailored to individual needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Classroom Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Use positive reinforcement and provide a safe space for self-regulation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it works:&lt;/strong&gt; A structured, supportive approach builds trust and encourages self-control.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/cadmdx51/social-emotional-mental-health.jpg" alt=""&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/cadmdx51/social-emotional-mental-health.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The key to supporting SEND students lies in understanding their individual needs and implementing strategies that enable them to thrive. By continuously reflecting on and adapting your approach, you can create a nurturing environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Axcis Academy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Did you know that Axcis has a CPD Academy to help registered candidates boost their careers? &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" target="_blank"&gt;Click&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" target="_blank"&gt; here&lt;/a&gt; to learn more about the Axcis Academy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Refer and Earn with Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Axcis offers a unique Refer a Friend bonus that allows you and the person you refer the opportunity to earn. Everyone wins! Click here to find out how to refer your SEND educator friends. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to make a difference in education?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;Whether you’re a passionate candidate seeking new opportunities or a school looking for dedicated staff, Axcis is here to support you every step of the way. Choose Axcis as your preferred agency and let’s work together to create an inclusive and enriching learning environment for all. Contact us today to get started! Email &lt;a href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk"&gt;info@axcis.co.uk&lt;/a&gt; or call us at &lt;a href="tel:02075802956"&gt;0207 580 2956&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:20:00 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2025-01-22T12:20:00Z</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2264</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2024/11/07/don-t-forget-about-the-axcis-app-and-be-in-with-a-chance-to-win-a-25-amazon-voucher/</link>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>Don’t forget about the Axcis app and be in with a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher!!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px font22px"&gt;Download the Axcis app today and be entered in to a prize draw to win a £25 Amazon voucher&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These days, we all love an app - there are apps for literally everything, from managing your finances to swapping your face with a friend! But did you know that Axcis has an app that can help streamline your working life, too?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Top 5 reasons to download the Axcis app&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Frustrated with filling out your timesheet on a web page? You can now do it on our specially adapted app interface!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Last minute ‘appointment’ tomorrow? Hop onto the app, update your calendar and make sure we know not to call you at 7am.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Not sure what work you have booked in for next week? Just open the app and have a look.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Need to upload supporting documents for your application? You can take pictures via our app and upload them straight to your secure profile – meaning that you get into work more quickly.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;And if that wasn’t enough – you can also apply for all our fantastic SEND roles, all at the touch of a button!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;What are you waiting for?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Head to the &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/axcis-education/id1554835434" target="_blank"&gt;Apple App Store&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.axcis_mobile_application" target="_blank" data-anchor="?id=com.axcis_mobile_application"&gt;Google Play Store&lt;/a&gt; today to download, or just search “Axcis Education”.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font22px"&gt;Log in before the end of Nov 2024 for your chance to win!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you log in before the end of Nov 2024, your name will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher. &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2021/10/06/axcis-terms-and-conditions-for-competitions-and-giveaways/" target="_blank"&gt;Terms and conditions apply.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:00 Z</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2024-11-07T12:00:00Z</a10:updated>
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    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3446</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2024/10/24/transforming-lives-in-send-recruitment/</link>
      <category>Recruitment Resources</category>
      <title>Transforming Lives in SEND Recruitment</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="font22px red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Transforming Lives in SEND Recruitment: A Conversation with Martin Keddie, Associate Director at Axcis Education&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;At Axcis Education, we believe that every placement we make has the power to transform lives, particularly when it comes to special educational needs (SEND). In a recent podcast interview, Martin Keddie, our Associate Director of HR &amp;amp; Candidate Management, sat down with Susanna Gray-Jones - an esteemed Rec2Rec Recruitment Leader and friend of Axcis to share insights into his journey and the values that drive Axcis as a leader in SEND recruitment.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In this candid discussion, Martin reveals how his background in teaching and performing arts has shaped his approach to recruitment and how Axcis’s unique focus on consultative, relationship-based recruitment is key to our success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From the Classroom to Leadership: Martin’s Journey at Axcis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Martin’s journey into recruitment began as a teaching assistant, working directly with children with special educational needs. This hands-on experience provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges that schools and SEND professionals face. His story demonstrates that at Axcis, career growth isn’t just possible—it’s expected. Starting as a candidate, Martin quickly rose through the ranks to become a top-billing consultant and now holds a leadership position, helping shape the future of recruitment at Axcis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;Axcis allowed me to grow my career, giving me the tools to succeed while ensuring I never lost sight of our core mission—to support children with special educational needs&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;” – Martin Keddie&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Axcis? Passion Over Profit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One key theme from Martin’s interview is the genuine passion that drives Axcis recruiters. Unlike some agencies that may focus solely on profits, Axcis is committed to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By placing the right people in the right roles, we help schools create inclusive learning environments where every child has the chance to thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;SEND recruitment isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about making a lasting impact. Every school is unique, and every candidate we place needs to fit the specific needs of that environment&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;” – Martin Keddie&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Tailored Approach for Schools and Candidates&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For schools looking for dedicated SEND professionals, Axcis offers more than just a transactional service. Our consultative approach ensures that we work closely with schools to understand their unique needs and find the perfect match for their environment. Martin shared how his experience on both sides of recruitment - as a candidate and now as a leader - gives him a unique perspective on the importance of tailored recruitment solutions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;We don’t just place people; we build long-term relationships. We make sure every placement benefits both the school and the professional, creating a positive impact on the students we serve&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;” – Martin Keddie&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Building Strong Relationships in SEND Recruitment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the importance of relationships in recruitment. Martin explains that trust and communication are vital—both with candidates and schools. By fostering open lines of communication and supporting candidates throughout their journey, Axcis builds lasting partnerships that set us apart from competitors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“&lt;span class="purple_color"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Recruitment is about relationships. At Axcis, we don’t just focus on the short-term; we’re here for the long haul, ensuring both schools and candidates succeed.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;” – Martin Keddie&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to Transform SEND Recruitment?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you're a school looking for dedicated SEND staff or a professional seeking a career that makes a difference, Axcis Education is here to help. Our consultative, personalized approach ensures that we find the right fit for your needs, creating lasting impact for children with special educational needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We invite you to listen to the full podcast episode below, where Martin shares even more insights into what makes Axcis the leader in SEND recruitment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ya2hz6e2kKg?si=2XWTOTo0YHZnpgQf" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jNtYW6AMQKR0wMiqbMagZ?si=OApwKciaTxqVszlUHnrzsQ" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=OApwKciaTxqVszlUHnrzsQ"&gt;Click Here&lt;/a&gt; to listen on Spotify&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to make a difference in education?&lt;/strong&gt; Whether you’re a passionate candidate seeking new opportunities or a school looking for dedicated staff, Axcis is here to support you every step of the way. Choose Axcis as your preferred agency and let’s work together to create an inclusive and enriching learning environment for all. Contact us today to get started! Email &lt;a href="mailto:info@axcis.co.uk"&gt;info@axcis.co.uk&lt;/a&gt; or call us at &lt;a href="tel:02075802956"&gt;0207 580 2956&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:20:38 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2024-10-24T12:20:38+01:00</a10:updated>
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      <guid isPermaLink="false">3443</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2024/10/18/spooky-sensory-fun-for-send-classrooms-this-halloween/</link>
      <category>Teachers</category>
      <category>Teaching Assistants</category>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>Spooky Sensory Fun for SEND Classrooms this Halloween!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Halloween can be a fun and engaging time for students, but it’s important to consider how different activities might affect students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At Axcis, we understand the importance of making these celebrations inclusive and supportive. Here are some sensory-friendly ideas to help make Halloween fun for everyone!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Spooky Sensory Bins&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Create themed sensory bins using safe and tactile items like dried pasta "brains," rubber spiders, or kinetic sand. These bins allow students to explore textures in a controlled, low-stress environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/p2thjq02/halloween-sensory-bin.png?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Calming Halloween Corners&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Set up a “calming corner” with Halloween-themed stress balls, fidget toys, and noise-cancelling headphones. It gives students a safe space to step away if the excitement becomes overwhelming.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/ec2ecxjh/sensory-headphones-quiet-room.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/ec2ecxjh/sensory-headphones-quiet-room.jpg" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Pumpkin Decorating (Without the Carving!)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instead of traditional pumpkin carving, let students decorate pumpkins with paint, stickers, or soft materials. This reduces mess and allows for more sensory-friendly creativity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/1dkfzbtj/halloween-classroom.png?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Sensory-Friendly Costumes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For schools allowing costumes, suggest sensory-friendly options like soft fabric costumes without scratchy tags or props. This makes dressing up more comfortable for students who may be sensitive to textures.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/aqtpl0zu/simple-halloween-costumes.jpg" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/aqtpl0zu/simple-halloween-costumes.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Halloween Stories with Visuals&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Use Halloween-themed stories with plenty of visuals and interactive elements. Adapt the story for different learning styles by incorporating sound effects or using visual aids like puppets or illustrations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/suyn3b0w/orange-minimalist-motivational-quote-twitter-post-1.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Glow Stick Dance Party!&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Organize a low-light, glow stick dance party. The soft lighting and colourful glow sticks can create a visually stimulating yet calming environment. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some energy!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/gsgmfolo/orange-minimalist-motivational-quote-twitter-post-2.jpg" alt=""&gt;&lt;img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="http://nz.axcis.co.uk/media/gsgmfolo/orange-minimalist-motivational-quote-twitter-post-2.jpg?width=500&amp;amp;height=281.25" alt=""&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keeping it Safe and Fun!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While Halloween is a time for fun and excitement, it's essential to ensure the safety and comfort of all students, especially those with SEND. Always be mindful of sensory triggers and individual needs, and create a safe space for students who may feel overwhelmed. With a little extra planning, you can make this spooky season enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Axcis, we’re committed to supporting SEND educators with fun, practical resources like these. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more seasonal ideas and tips to help you in the classroom!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Not signed up with Axcis yet?&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;We’re always looking for talented SEND teaching and support staff. &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/register/" target="_blank"&gt;Register&lt;/a&gt; with us today or &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/refer-a-friend/" target="_blank"&gt;refer a friend&lt;/a&gt; to explore the rewarding opportunities we offer. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:54:42 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2024-10-18T13:54:42+01:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3436</guid>
      <link>http://nz.axcis.co.uk/blog/articles/2024/09/20/the-importance-of-mental-health-support-in-send-education/</link>
      <category>Training &amp; Development</category>
      <category>Teachers</category>
      <category>Teaching Assistants</category>
      <category>Axcis Contractor Resources</category>
      <title>The Importance of Mental Health Support in SEND Education</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;In the provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education, the focus often lies on academic support and physical accommodations. However, an equally critical aspect that deserves attention is mental health support. Ensuring the mental well-being of both students and staff in SEND settings is paramount for fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understanding the Mental Health Needs of SEND Students&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Students with SEND often face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. These may include social isolation, anxiety, and difficulties with communication. Recognising these challenges is the first step in providing appropriate support. Schools and educators should be equipped with the knowledge and resources to identify signs of mental distress to be able to intervene effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment:&lt;/strong&gt; Establishing a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe, respected, and included can significantly reduce anxiety and stress. This includes promoting positive interactions and celebrating diversity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Implementing Individualised Support Plans:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailoring mental health support to the individual needs of each student is crucial. This might involve working with mental health professionals to develop personalised strategies and interventions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Encouraging Open Communication:&lt;/strong&gt; Providing students with opportunities to express their feelings and concerns can help them feel heard and understood. Regular check-ins and the use of communication aids can facilitate this process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Incorporating Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:&lt;/strong&gt; Teaching students mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques can help them manage stress and improve their emotional regulation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Utilising Team Teach and Positive Behaviour Management:&lt;/strong&gt; For students exhibiting challenging behaviour, employing strategies like Team Teach and positive behaviour management can be highly effective. These approaches focus on de-escalation techniques and creating a supportive environment that encourages positive behaviour.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="red_color font18px"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Supporting the Mental Health of SEND Educators&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The well-being of educators is just as important as that of students. Teaching in SEND settings can be demanding, and educators may experience burnout or compassion fatigue. Here are some strategies to support their mental health:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Professional Development:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a rel="noopener" href="/candidates/cpd-training-and-career-development/the-axcis-academy/" target="_blank"&gt;The Axcis Academy&lt;/a&gt; offers registered Axcis Candidates a range of courses and webinars through the National College for free to aid with their tools and techniques for stress management, self-care, and mental health awareness to empower educators to take care of their own well-being. Additionally, training in Team Teach and positive behaviour management can equip staff with the skills needed to handle challenging situations effectively.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Axcis Academy also offers a plethora of courses and webinars to help you in your roles as educators.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mental Health Resources:&lt;/strong&gt; A lot of schools usually offer, great, supportive cultures. Remember to get in touch with your consultant if you are unsure about something or need some advice reading whatever you are experiencing in your ad-hoc role as an Axcis candidate that could potentially be affecting your mental health or well-being. If you are a permanent member of staff at a school seek support from your team leaders. There are also charities like &lt;a rel="noopener" href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Education Support&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; which specialise in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. Call their freephone number to see if they can assist you in any way - &lt;span class="red_color"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;08000 562 561&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Work-Life Balance:&lt;/strong&gt; Work-life balance is important for any job. You can only help others when you are in a good state of mental health and wellbeing so take some time to take care of yourself. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and participate in practices that help you from burning out, whether that's nature, running, mindfulness, motivational content, reading etc. By empowering your mental health and well-being you're able to empower and inspire others, creating happier students and communities overall.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mental health support is a vital component of SEND education. By prioritising the mental well-being of both students and educators, we can create a more supportive and effective learning environment. Schools must take proactive steps to integrate mental health strategies into their daily practices, ensuring that everyone in the SEND community can thrive. For students exhibiting challenging behaviour, employing strategies like Team Teach and positive behaviour management can make a significant difference, fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for all.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let's work together to make the differences that impact and empower.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Don't forget to update your availability using the Axcis App or get in touch with your consultant if you're looking for another booking. Most of all, don't forget to check out the Axcis Academy and enrol for your next CPD to boost your career prospects.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:59:43 +0100</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2024-09-20T11:59:43+01:00</a10:updated>
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