Are you a caring and compassionate person, with a passion for working with neurodiverse young people? Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity to be part of a team which makes a real difference to children and their families?

If so, Reach South Academy Trust wants to hear from you!

We are looking for inspirational SEND Teaching Assistants to join SAIL Academy in Salisbury as soon as possible.

Post: [250320B] SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learners (SAIL), Salisbury, Wiltshire

Salary Range: Grade F, Pt 9-11,  £26,406 rising to £27,711 per annum, pro rata

Actual Salary: £19,849 - £20,827

Hours/Contract Type: Permanent, 31.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term-time)

About the role

As a member of our school team at SAIL, you will:

• Assist in the support and inclusion of children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and difficulties, either in groups or 1:1 work
• Support pupils’ academic and social communication needs
• Support positive social and emotional wellbeing, enabling pupils to engage in learning in and out of the school environment

What we’re looking for

The position of SEND Teaching Assistant is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and compassionate individual to lead lessons, interventions and support our learners with autism.

Key skills:

• To have a good knowledge and understanding of autism and social communication needs and appropriate strategies to support pupils with this need. E.g. PACE.

• To have knowledge and understanding of social, emotional & mental health needs and cognitive needs, that affect children and young people’s development.

• Excellent listening skills.

• An ability to build strong, trusting relationships.

• To be resilient and able to take regular responsibility for agreed learning /activities.

• Promote and support the inclusion of all pupils in the learning and social skills activities.

• To use positive and personalised anxiety management strategies. 

About the School

SAIL (Salisbury Academy for Inspiration Learners) is a day specialist provider of education in Salisbury, Wiltshire for children and young people aged from 4 to 19 years who have a diagnosis of autism or an SEMH profile.

Following opening on 1 September 2023, the school moved into new premises on Wilton Road in Salisbury. The school continues to grow towards a roll of 150 children.

SAIL’s aim is to build safe independent lives for the autistic and SEMH population through a process of understanding, support, and enablement. To achieve this goal the school will look at the unique impact autism and social, emotional, and mental health experiences has on the individual child. From this we aim as a school to personalise the child’s curriculum, care, and therapeutic package to ensure every child achieves and experiences success and independence.

This key intent is underpinned by a number of principles. We will ensure that all children make progress, we build and foster positive relationships with parents and carers, put pupil voice at the heart of everything and support all children so they trust, feel safe and secure. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding including dedicated education, care and therapeutic teams.

About the Trust

Reach South is a young and developing Trust which operates across the South West of England with the aim of delivering all through 3-19 education. We operate 17 academies in Bournemouth, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. We are building this Trust on a clear set of values, behaviours and curriculum principles. At the heart of those values and principles is a belief in our young people and a determination to support them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become the successful citizens for today and all of their tomorrows.

What we can offer

You will be working as part of a dynamic, committed team in a role which offers high job satisfaction and the chance to make a real difference to the children and families you work with.

We recognise what our people do and how hard they work, and we believe in giving back. You will have access to a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Competitive salary and LGPS pension
• Great career and development opportunities in a growing school
• A wide professional network as part of the Reach South family
• Employee Assistance Programme, including free 24/7 counselling and information line
• Wellbeing schemes, including Cycle to Work scheme and gym discounts
• Free will-writing service
• Lifestyle savings and discounts

How can I find out more about this opportunity?

You can find out more about this role and SAIL Academy by downloading our vacancy pack.

If you would like an informal chat about the role or would like a tour of the school, please get in touch with the Recruitment team at recruitment@reachsouth.org or on 07759365064.

How do I apply?

Applying for this opportunity is easy! Just click ‘apply now’ at the top of the advert.

Next closing date for applications is 21st April 2025.

Next interview date:  Interviews are provisionally booked for 2nd May 2025.

Please note, as we are appointing for multiple positions, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.