Teaching Assistants are an essential part of any SEND school. They play a vital role in supporting the class teacher in delivering lessons, and they help to ensure that each child's needs are met. Teaching Assistants provide opportunities for pupils to progress, whilst making sure that their individual goals and aspirations are met.

Know your role

The first step to becoming a great SEND Teaching Assistant is knowing your role. Knowing what you can do and what is beyond your role will help you to better serve your students.

It's important to know the limits of your role, as well as school policies and procedures surrounding those limits. It's also helpful if you have direct contact with parents or guardians so they can understand how best they can support their children at home.

Keep up to date with available training opportunities

Keeping up to date with training opportunities is crucial if you want to be a great SEND Teaching Assistant. Axcis offer a whole host of training opportunities for free. For a list of upcoming training, check out our events page on our website.

Communication is key

• Communication is key
• Speak to your class teacher
• Talk to the parents
• Let pupils know what you are doing

Develop a relationship of trust and respect with the class teacher, pupils and parents

Develop a relationship of trust and respect with the class teacher. It's important to get this right from the outset, as it can be a key factor in building your reputation within the school and with parents. Be respectful towards pupils and parents. In order for both parties to feel comfortable around you, it is vital that you are open about your role, expectations and behaviour in relation to them. Be honest, transparent and trustworthy: If something goes wrong or if there are problems then don't hide anything from anyone; talk openly about what has happened so that everyone involved understands how they can help rectify any issues.

Always be positive

Be a role model and smile genuinely all the time — even when you're feeling tired or fed up — and show that it can be done by being happy yourself!

Conclusion

Taking on the role of a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) setting can, at times, be challenging. But as a TA in a SEND school you will make a huge difference to the children whose lives you touch.

You will have to be flexible and adaptable; learning new skills, ways of working and interacting with others is essential for your success as an effective TA. It’s important that you keep in mind that each child has their own individual needs which need to be addressed through your intervention plan. Don't expect all pupils with SEND to respond in the same way or at the same pace - what works for one may not work for another!

Are you ready to take on the challenge?

If you're looking for a SEND teaching assistant or support job in England or Wales, why not register with Axcis, the SEND recruitment specialists? Or perhaps you need to recruit staff for your school or provision? If so, why not take a look at the Axcis Website, or get in touch today to find out how we can help?