Sense Education
Whitehaven, Cumbria
Sep 08, 2025
Full time
Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Are you passionate about helping children find their voice, connect with others, and thrive? We're looking for two caring and committed Speech and Language Teaching Assistants to join a warm, specialist SEN setting in Whitehaven this September. The Role as a Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Collaborate closely with class teachers and the school's Speech and Language Therapist to support pupils aged 4-16 in improving their communication and confidence. Use tools such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, and AAC to deliver personalised support that helps pupils express themselves and engage in learning. Provide structured, nurturing 1:1 and small-group interventions in a calm classroom environment tuned to emotional and communication needs. Support pupils' speech, language, and communication development through therapy-informed strategies tailored to each individual. Promote social interaction, emotional regulation, independence, and engagement across learning and social settings. Who Suits the Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Role Graduates in Psychology, Education, Speech & Language, or similar, as well as SEND-experienced TAs or support workers. Parents or carers with lived experience supporting communication needs who are seeking a classroom-based transition. Individuals aiming to gain hands-on experience before pursuing therapy, SEN teaching, or child-development careers. Calm, patient, empathetic individuals with strong communication, teamwork, and inclusive-education mindsets (full training provided). About the School A specialist SEN setting serving Whitehaven and surrounding areas, dedicated to supporting pupils with Autism, speech, language, and communication needs. A compassionate, collaborative staff team committed to every child's potential, offering ongoing CPD and peer support-mirroring the inclusive approach seen across the Cumbria SEND community Hours & Start Date Monday to Friday, 8.30 am - 3.30 pm, term-time only. Both full-time and part-time roles available. September start to coincide with the new school year. The Benefits for the Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Competitive pay as part of a long-term temporary placement-with potential to become permanent. Family-friendly hours-no evenings, weekends, or shift work. A genuinely rewarding role where you help children feel heard, understood, and empowered. If you're ready to make a real difference in Whitehaven as a Speech and Language Teaching Assistant, we'd love to hear from you. Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.