Teaching Assistant ( Specialist in Makaton)

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Teaching Assistant with experience in Makaton to support pupils with communication and learning needs in Bristol. This role involves working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to help students access the curriculum and develop their communication skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with additional needs
• Use Makaton consistently to support communication, understanding, and engagement
• Assist in the planning and delivery of tailored learning activities
• Support pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Help create a positive, inclusive classroom environment
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and specialists
• Monitor and record pupil progress

About You

• Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs (SEN)
• Knowledge and practical experience of using Makaton (training or certification preferred)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Patient, empathetic, and adaptable approach
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• A genuine passion for supporting children's development

Desirable

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

What We Offer

• Support for you in every step of your journey with us
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.

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", which 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 workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.