Teaching assistant (Makaton)

A role where communication really matters

We’re looking for a kind, patient Teaching Assistant who’s confident using Makaton to support pupils with additional needs. If you’re someone who understands that communication goes beyond words, and you enjoy helping children find their voice, you’ll fit right in here.

You’ll be working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and specialists to make sure every pupil feels included, understood, and ready to learn.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Using Makaton throughout the day to help pupils communicate and engage
• Assisting with lessons and adapting activities to suit individual needs
• Supporting social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Helping create a calm, positive, and inclusive classroom environment
• Working as part of a team with teaching staff and external professionals
• Tracking progress and celebrating those all-important small wins

What you’ll bring

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND
• Practical knowledge of Makaton, training is a bonus but not essential
• Strong communication skills and a naturally supportive approach
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to adapt when things change
• A team-focused attitude and willingness to get stuck in
• A real passion for helping children grow in confidence and independence

Nice to have (but not essential)

• Experience in SEN settings, such as autism or speech and language needs
• Additional training in behaviour support or communication strategies

What’s in it for you

• Free access to CPD, including SEND and communication training

• Ongoing support from a consultant who’s got your back
• Opportunities to develop your skills and experience
• A role where you can genuinely make a difference, every single day

Quick question… are you Thrive trained?
If not, we offer free Thrive training to help you build your skills and stand out to schools. It’s a great addition if you’re working in SEND.

If you’re ready for a role where your support really counts, we’d love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.

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