Location: Taunton, Somerset Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm Pay: £14.25 per hour Contract: Full-time and part-time opportunities available A specialist school in Taunton is looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join their team, supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with a range of additional needs. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in education, gain valuable SEND experience or bring existing experience from care, childcare, youth work, sports coaching, psychology or support work into a school environment. The school supports pupils with a range of complex and additional needs, including: • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs • Communication and interaction difficulties • Sensory processing needs • Additional physical and developmental needs Every pupil is different, so the role is about getting to know individual pupils, understanding how they communicate and learn, and helping them access school life as independently as possible. As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to: • Provide one-to-one and small-group support in lessons • Help pupils engage with learning through practical and accessible activities • Support communication, social skills and independence • Use strategies such as visual timetables, symbols and other communication methods • Help pupils manage sensory or emotional needs and remain engaged in the school day • Encourage positive behaviour and build trusting relationships • Support pupils during lessons, breaktimes, lunchtime and wider school activities • Celebrate progress and help pupils develop confidence and independence What we're looking for: You don't need to have worked in a special school before. We are interested in people who are patient, reliable, adaptable and genuinely want to help young people succeed. Experience with SEND, autism, learning difficulties, behaviour support, care, childcare, youth work, sports or education would be beneficial, but transferable experience is welcomed. Most importantly, you should be confident working as part of a team, willing to learn and able to remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with different needs. Why apply? • Monday to Friday, school hours • Full-time and part-time opportunities • Valuable experience within a specialist SEND setting • Excellent experience for aspiring teachers, psychologists, therapists, youth workers and support professionals • Ongoing support from your recruitment consultant • Opportunity to develop your SEND knowledge and experience • Potential for longer-term opportunities If you're looking for a Teaching Assistant role in Taunton where no two days are the same and your support can have a real impact on a young person's confidence, communication and independence, apply today.<br/><br />If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Sancha Clark on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2016.<br /><br />If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, <strong>don&#39;t forget that we offer &pound;50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.</strong> For more details, contact your local Axcis office.<br /><br /><em>This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.<br /><br />The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).<br /><br />If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.<br /><br />You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.<br /><br />Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><a href="/job-page-disclaimer">View the disclaimer</a></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><strong>Contact: </strong></span><strong> Sancha Clark&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;">Telephone: </span> 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2016</strong></strong>