Teaching Assistant (SEND, Learner Support & Preparation for Adulthood)

At Barnardo's, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential, develop independence and move confidently towards adulthood, employment and a fulfilling future.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our Employment, Training & Skills Centre in Bradford. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people aged 16–19, and up to 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), to overcome barriers, develop confidence and gain the skills needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships, further education and independent adult lives.

Many of the young people who attend our centre face challenges that impact their education, emotional wellbeing and future aspirations. Whilst some learners have identified Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or EHCPs, many do not have a formal diagnosis but nevertheless require additional support to engage, achieve and progress.

Our programmes are designed not only to achieve qualifications, but to prepare young people for their next steps. Everything we do is underpinned by Preparation for Adulthood principles, supporting learners to develop:

• Employment skills and career aspirations
• Independent living skills
• Confidence and resilience
• Community participation and social inclusion
• Health and wellbeing
• Positive destinations into work, apprenticeships and further learning

If you are passionate about helping young people build brighter futures and believe in their potential regardless of the challenges they face, we would love to hear from you.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with tutors, our Pastoral Coach and wider centre team to provide tailored support that enables learners to access learning, achieve qualifications and develop the skills needed for adulthood and employment.

You will support learners across a range of vocational and academic programmes, including:

• Childcare and Early Years
• Health and Social Care
• Business Administration
• Customer Service / Retail
• Mathematics (GCSE and Functional Skills)
• English (GCSE and Functional Skills)

The role is varied and no two days are the same. You may be:

• Supporting learners within classroom sessions alongside tutors
• Delivering targeted interventions in small groups
• Providing one-to-one learner support
• Supporting learners with SEND, SEMH needs and additional learning barriers
• Assisting learners to develop confidence, resilience and independence
• Helping learners manage anxiety, emotional wellbeing and engagement with learning
• Supporting learners to develop employability, communication and workplace skills
• Encouraging learners to take ownership of their learning and future career goals
• Supporting the implementation of EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood targets
• Working with tutors to adapt learning activities and resources
• Contributing to learner reviews, support records and progress monitoring
• Promoting positive behaviour, attendance, punctuality and professional standards
• Supporting learners to become work-ready and progress successfully into positive destinations

We are looking for someone who genuinely lives and breathes Barnardo's values and understands the importance of helping young people achieve their ambitions.

You will be passionate about inclusion and committed to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background or need, has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.

• Experience working with young people aged 16–25
• Experience supporting learners with SEND and additional learning needs
• A strong understanding of barriers faced by vulnerable young people
• Experience supporting learners' emotional wellbeing and personal development
• Knowledge of strategies that support learner engagement, confidence and independence
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to motivate and inspire young people to achieve their goals
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• A positive, flexible and proactive approach to supporting learners

• Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant support qualification
• Experience supporting learners with EHCPs
• Experience within Further Education, alternative provision or post-16 settings
• Knowledge of neurodiversity, SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice
• Understanding of Preparation for Adulthood outcomes and supported progression pathways
• Experience supporting learners into employment, apprenticeships or further learning

For over 150 years, Barnardo's has helped children and young people overcome barriers and achieve positive futures.

At our Bradford centre, you will play a vital role in helping young people gain qualifications, develop life skills, improve their wellbeing and take meaningful steps towards employment, independence and adulthood.

Every day brings the opportunity to make a lasting difference to a young person's future.