Job Description:

Health & Social Care Graduate Teaching Assistant - Specialist Complex Needs School

Location: Bolton
Salary: Competitive daily rate (£97-£110 per day, dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time or Flexible Day-to-Day Supply
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Hours: Term Time Only

Tradewind Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a highly respected specialist primary school in Radcliffe, Bury, to recruit a compassionate and motivated Health & Social Care Graduate Teaching Assistant.

This exceptional provision supports pupils aged 4-11 with a wide range of complex needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication difficulties and complex medical needs.

The Role

As a Health & Social Care Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will become an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting children to access learning, develop independence and achieve their individual targets.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with a range of complex learning, physical and communication needs.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.
• Assisting pupils with personal care routines, feeding and intimate care where required.
• Supporting children with medical needs in line with individual healthcare plans.
• Using communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS and visual supports to help pupils engage with learning.
• Supporting sensory regulation programmes and sensory integration activities.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and other specialist professionals.
• Promoting communication, social development, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Encouraging participation in classroom activities through tailored support and differentiation.
• Supporting pupils during structured learning, therapy sessions, outdoor learning and enrichment activities.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and celebrating every achievement, no matter how small.
• Maintaining a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment at all times.

About the School

The school has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding support to pupils with complex SEND needs and prides itself on creating a warm, inclusive and highly nurturing environment.

Staff benefit from:

• Small class sizes and excellent staff-to-pupil ratios.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Extensive specialist resources and facilities.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Close working relationships with therapists and healthcare professionals.
• A child-centred approach that focuses on communication, independence and life skills.
• Strong leadership and a positive school culture where staff wellbeing is valued.

This is a setting where graduates can gain invaluable experience working directly with children who require specialist educational, therapeutic and personal care support.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds a degree in Health & Social Care or a related field.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children with SEND and complex needs.
• Is caring, patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can adapt their approach to meet individual pupil needs.
• Is comfortable supporting personal care and intimate care as part of the role.
• Is willing to learn specialist communication and behaviour support strategies.
• Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates a proactive and positive attitude towards supporting vulnerable children.

Desirable Experience :

• Health & Social Care placements
• Residential care settings
• SEN schools
• Care homes
• Nursing or healthcare environments
• Youth work
• Voluntary work with children or vulnerable adults
• Autism support settings
• Community care
• Disability support services

Highly Desirable

• Manual handling training.
• Moving and handling experience.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex medical needs.
• Knowledge of Autism, sensory processing needs and communication difficulties.
• Experience using Makaton, PECS or alternative communication methods.
• Understanding of safeguarding and person-centred support.

Why Join Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive rates of pay paid weekly.
• Flexible work to suit your availability.
• Access to over 2,500 online CPD courses through The National College.
• Dedicated support from an experienced SEND consultant.
• Opportunities to gain specialist SEND experience.
• Ongoing professional development and career guidance.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities available.
• Excellent referral bonus scheme.

Apply Today

If you are a recent Health & Social Care Graduate looking to gain meaningful experience within a specialist complex needs setting, this is an exceptional opportunity to develop your skills whilst making a genuine difference to the lives of children and their families.

Apply today through Tradewind Recruitment to be considered for this rewarding role in Radcliffe, Bury.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.