Speech and Language Teaching Assistant

Speech and Language Teaching Assistant

Leeds
Mainstream Primary School
Full-time | Monday to Friday | 08:30am – 15:30pm
Term Time Only
Long-term Temporary Opportunity
ASAP Start

About the Role

Engage Education are delighted to be working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Leeds who are looking for a patient, nurturing and dedicated Speech and Language Teaching Assistant to provide one-to-one support for a child with significant communication needs.

The successful candidate will work closely with the child throughout the school day, supporting them to communicate, engage with learning and develop their confidence and independence.

The child is currently pre-verbal, so the role will involve using a range of appropriate communication strategies and approaches to help them express their needs, interact with others and access the school environment.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about speech, language and communication development and wants to make a genuine difference to a child’s educational journey.

Your Responsibilities

As a Speech and Language Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide consistent one-to-one support throughout the school day.
• Support a pre-verbal child with their communication and language development.
• Use appropriate communication strategies to help the child express their needs, choices and feelings.
• Support the child to develop their understanding and use of communication, including through non-verbal methods where appropriate.
• Encourage communication through play, structured activities and everyday classroom interactions.
• Support the child to engage with learning and participate in classroom activities.
• Build a strong, trusting relationship with the child based on consistency and understanding.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider support team.
• Follow individualised support and communication plans.
• Observe and provide feedback on the child’s communication, engagement and progress.
• Support the child’s social interaction with peers and adults.
• Encourage independence and confidence throughout the school day.

What We’re Looking For

The school is looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working with children with speech, language and communication needs.
• Ideally has experience supporting pre-verbal or non-verbal children.
• Has a good understanding of the importance of communication and how this can impact a child’s learning and development.
• Is patient, calm, nurturing and resilient.
• Can adapt their communication style to meet the individual needs of the child.
• Is confident using different methods of communication and is willing to learn new approaches.
• Can build a strong and trusting relationship with a child on a one-to-one basis.
• Is observant and able to recognise and respond to a child’s individual communication cues.
• Works well as part of a wider team and is confident communicating with teachers and other professionals.
• Is committed to a full-time, long-term position.

Experience with Makaton, PECS, AAC or other communication systems would be highly desirable, although training and relevant experience will also be considered.

Why Choose Engage Education?

At Engage Education, we are committed to supporting our staff throughout their education career. When you join us, you will benefit from:

• Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations, meaning you will receive the same pay as a permanent employee after the qualifying period.
• Your own dedicated Engage consultant, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Access to a wide range of free CPD training, delivered by our in-house team of experienced senior leaders.
• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across Leeds and the surrounding areas.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping children develop their communication skills, confidence and independence, and would love the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through one-to-one support, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch with the Engage Education team directly to find out more about this rewarding opportunity.

All candidates will be required to undertake a valid Enhanced DBS check. Full assistance will be provided throughout the process.

By applying for this role, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details securely within our database in accordance with GDPR requirements.