Being a Teaching Assistant can be a very rewarding job and if you have the right experience and approach, working in a Special Educational Needs and Disability School (SEND) could be the fulfilling role you have been looking for. Here we focus on Brentwood School and College, where Career Teachers continue to place many successful candidates in Manchester.
Brentwood School is a community special school for pupils aged 11 to 19. Brentwood College is a specialist further education college for young people between 19 and 22. Many students at Brentwood have severe learning difficulties, some of whom have autism, and some have additional complex medical needs.
The school follows a curriculum adapted to the abilities of each individual. Some may be working towards NVQs and BTECS, whilst others may study for GCSEs. How they learn and what that learning involves will be based upon their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Brentwood has high expectations for all their pupils, enabling them to progress during their time at the school gaining the skills and understanding they need as young adults in their community.
Brentwood have also achieved the Investors in People ‘framework for excellence’ advanced (gold) award and the excellent provision they offer for pupils with autism is recognised by their Autism Accreditation.
Brentwood School has continually achieved Outstanding ratings, the most recent one being in 2019.
Career Teachers places candidates in Teaching Assistant (TA) positions at Brentwood School. Whilst these are initially on a temporary 12-week basis, the school will often offer successful temporary TAs a permanent contract.
Classes at Brentwood School and College generally have less than 10 pupils and may have 3 or 4 TAs in addition to the Teacher. Working as a TA here is not so much a teaching position as a support role, both in learning and in personal care. Some pupils are wheelchair bound or may have other physical disabilities which require them to need additional help in daily tasks.
The main duties and responsibilities of this Teaching Assistant job may include:
At Brentwood you will find yourself in a very supportive work environment, encouraged by the Head Teacher. Everyone is friendly and works well together as a team.
The ethos of Brentwood is for a “happy, safe and inclusive school where students are valued and feel a sense of belonging”. This inclusive nature is not only experienced by the pupils, but also the staff. Whether you are a permanent employee or a temporary recruit on your first day, everyone is treated the same and are made to feel part of the school community.
In line with their values, Brentwood School and College is committed to developing the skills and expertise of their staff so that pupils have the best possible learning experiences. All staff, temporary or permanent, are encouraged to attend regular training sessions provided by the school, and support is given for any additional training opportunities their Teaching Assistants and Teachers may wish to pursue.
If you are in the Manchester area, working as a Teaching Assistant at Brentwood School and College could be the next step in your career that you’ve been looking for. If you enjoy the job and find that it is the right place for you, a temporary position here can often become a permanent contract after your initial 12-week period.
If you are interested in a Teaching Assistant position at Brentwood School and College, some of the main requirements are to be enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to learn and progress. No specific qualifications are required but experience working with special needs, or in a support or care work role is preferred.
Working in a special school with young people who may have multiple learning difficulties and different medical needs, requires you to utilise your nurturing skills and have a hands-on approach. It is important that you have a thorough understanding of what this job can entail and the right attitude to approach your responsibilities. You need to be prepared for the different challenges you may encounter each day and be able to take direction from the class Teacher, applying it to each individual pupil that you work with.
Key skills and attributes for a TA at Brentwood School and College include:
To find out about current vacancies at Brentwood School and College, contact our Manchester branch.
Keep a lookout for the latest opportunities in your sector by regularly searching the job vacancies on our website:
You can stay up to date with our latest blogs here, and for our latest news follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Earn up to £200 in vouchers just for recommending your fully qualified teaching friends to us. We can help find work for Teachers, Nursery Nurses, Cover Supervisors and Teaching Assistants; all you need to do is click here.
Temporary teaching jobs at High Storrs are a great way to gain experience in your teaching career.
Teach a wealth of Key Stage 3 and 4 subjects to pupils with a positive attitude to learning.
