Description Lakenheath Community Primary School – Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9DU £12.26 per hour Full Time or Part Time Fixed Term or Maternity Cover Reference: 6857 Required as soon as possible Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Are you looking for a rewarding role in a friendly primary school setting? We are currently seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as 1:1 SEND Teaching Assistant with MDSA duties, either on a part-time or full-time basis (dependent on the successful applicant’s preference and availability), to provide personalised support to students with SEND. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND and contribute to their academic and personal development. You will: provide one-on-one support to a student with SEND, ensuring their individual needs are met in the classroom assist the class teacher in implementing tailored teaching strategies and adapting materials to support the student's learning goals foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, promoting the social and emotional development of the student collaborate closely with the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and other professionals involved in the student's care, ensuring effective communication and coordination of support help with the planning and implementation of individualised education plans, including monitoring progress and providing feedback to the teacher and SENCO. support the student in developing essential life skills and promoting their independence collaborate with other teaching assistants and staff members to create an inclusive and supportive school community. Requirements: Relevant qualifications in special education, such as a Teaching Assistant Level 3 certificate or equivalent Training or certification in specific areas of SEND, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language difficulties, or behavioural management Training in ELSA/Thrive Additional skills or experience in specific areas, such as sign language, assistive technology, or sensory integration Experience working with children with SEND, preferably within a school or educational setting Knowledge and understanding of different types of SEND and relevant strategies to support students' individual needs Patience, empathy, and excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport and build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals involved in the student's care Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs and provide appropriate support in different situations A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We can offer you a supportive and inclusive working environment within a vibrant and forward-thinking primary school. If you are passionate about working with children with SEND and believe you have the skills and dedication required for this role, we would love to hear from you. For more information: Please find downloadable copies of the full job descriptions for the SEND Teaching Assistant (pdf) and MDSA (pdf) for further details on the duties this role entails. Please feel free to contact Michael Tingey (Headteacher) on headlakenheath.suffolk.sch.uk who will be happy to show you around our lovely school, or to discuss the role on an informal basis. How to apply: Please find a downloadable copy of the Application Form (docx) and Application Guidance (docx). Please submit your application to accountslakenheath.suffolk.sch.uk. We appreciate all applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applicants. Please ensure you apply at your earliest convenience. Closing date: 12pm, 31 January 2025. Interview date: Week commencing 3 February 2025. Information about the School Lakenheath CP School is a ‘Good’ school (Ofsted February 2024) on Suffolk/ Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border. We have a wonderful team of staff, active and informed governors and supportive families who all help the children to be safe and happy and to make exceptional progress. It is our aim to make sure that all members of our school community are supported and feel included and valued. Lakenheath CP School is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. We care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you would prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we will facilitate this wherever we can. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS check will be required. Suffolk County Council – welcoming diversity.