Teaching Assistant - SEND

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The purpose of this role is to work under the guidance of the SENDCo and teaching staff to provide one-to-one support to a named student with Special Educational Needs (SEN), enabling them to access learning in line with the prevailing curriculum, school policies, and individual support plans. This role is funded through the Local Authority to ensure the successful inclusion of the student within the mainstream secondary school setting.

This role is directly linked to a specific student and is subject to the continuation of their EHCP funding. Training specific to the student’s needs will be provided where appropriate.

CONTRACT TERMS:

Hours: 24 hours per week. This position is term time only.

Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park

Salary: £13,960 per annum (0.6 FTE)

Start Date: September 2025

Main duties will include:

Support for the student:

• Provide tailored support to a named student with SEN in academic and artistic lessons and during unstructured times, in accordance with their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or individual support plan
• Encourage and support the student to participate in learning activities, promoting independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion
• Assist in implementing behaviour strategies, communication aids, or sensory adjustments as required
• Monitor and record the student’s progress against agreed targets and outcomes
• Provide emotional support and reassurance as needed, supporting wellbeing and mental health. 

Support for the teacher:

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to adapt learning materials and delivery methods to suit the student’s needs
• Provide feedback to the teacher on student progress and areas of concern
• Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), EHCPs, or other learning strategies. 

Support for the curriculum:

• Support the student in accessing a broad and balanced curriculum, including differentiated tasks and resources and including the artistic curriculum/programme
• Facilitate the use of specialist equipment or software as directed by the SENDCo or therapists
• Supervise the student during off-site visits or extra-curricular activities if required. 

Support for the School:

• Work in line with school policies including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Participate in relevant training and CPD as directed
• Contribute to reviews and meetings concerning the student’s progress, such as Annual Reviews or PEP meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of working with students with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, or other specific needs
• Experience of working with children/young people in an educational setting
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and handle sensitive issues confidentially. 

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of EHCP’s and the SEND Code of Practice Experience in a secondary education setting
• First Aid Training
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches or restorative practice.

Safeguarding Duties and Responsibilities:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.