Makaton Teaching Assistant
Location: Tunbridge Wells Salary: Competitive daily rate, dependent on experience Start Date: ASAP Contract: Temporary / Long-term, with potential for permanent opportunities
A well-regarded secondary school in the Tunbridge Wells area is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Makaton Teaching Assistant to join its specialist support provision and work closely with students who use Makaton as part of their communication.
The Role
As a Makaton Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to students throughout the school day, helping them communicate effectively and access their education alongside their peers.
You will work closely with teachers and specialist staff to provide consistent communication support and help students develop their confidence, independence and engagement in school.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting students who use Makaton as a means of communication
- Using Makaton confidently to communicate with and support students
- Providing one-to-one and small-group support where required
- Supporting students to access the mainstream curriculum
- Helping students develop their communication, confidence and independence
- Working alongside teachers and specialist support staff to meet individual needs
- Adapting activities and resources to support students' communication and learning
- Building positive and trusting relationships with students
- Supporting students both inside and outside the classroom
About You
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Experience using Makaton in an educational or care setting
- Previous experience working with children or young people with additional needs
- Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or similar
- A patient, calm and encouraging approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to build strong relationships with students
- A genuine passion for supporting young people to develop their communication and independence
Relevant qualifications or training in Makaton, SEND, communication support or additional needs would be highly advantageous.
The School
This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive secondary school with established specialist provision. You will be part of a dedicated team working to ensure students receive the communication and learning support they need to thrive within a mainstream school environment.
If you have Makaton experience and are looking for a rewarding Teaching Assistant opportunity in the Tunbridge Wells area, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV to Academics using the link or contact details attached to this advert.
Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.