SEND Teaching and Care Assistant

Location

Hugh Baird College - Thornton Campus

£23,632 per year (Full‑Time Equivalent, pro rata). Potential bolt‑on payments for further skills and qualifications.

29 July 2026

Learner Support

📚 SEND Teaching & Care Assistant
📍 Thornton College
🕒 Permanent Term Time Only
💷 £23,632 Full‑Time Equivalent, pro rata. Plus, potential bolt‑on payments for further skills and qualifications.
💼 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
🎁 Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated SEND Teaching and Care Assistant to join our team at Thornton College. This role is essential in providing the highest standards of support to our students. You will work collaboratively with tutors and the wider team to foster an environment where every learner can thrive.

Thornton College is a specialist centre within Hugh Baird College, dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities across the Liverpool City Region. Recognised as a Makaton Friendly environment, the college provides a warm, inclusive and highly supportive setting where every learner is treated as an individual.

Working closely with local SEND schools, Thornton College offers tailored learning programmes that focus on developing independence, life skills and employability. With modern facilities, including a training apartment, horticulture room and enrichment spaces, students are empowered to reach their full potential through practical, hands‑on learning and personalised support.

Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as the vacancy will close once the right candidate is found.

• Meet and greet students, ensuring their smooth transition on and off transport and maintaining attendance records.
• Assist and escort students with mobility difficulties, facilitating access to all areas of the college and during educational trips.
• Address personal care needs, including hygiene and mobility assistance, in accordance with multidisciplinary team guidance.
• Supervise students during lunchtimes and breaks, ensuring their safety and well‑being.
• Support learners during scheduled teaching sessions, providing help with educational activities and ensuring progress is tracked using Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Participate in planning discussions with class lecturers to adapt support strategies and enhance student engagement and independence.
• Provide first aid and maintain a safe and accessible environment for all students.
• Contribute to the delivery of enrichment sessions, events and trips.

• NVQ Level 2 in Care
• Level 2 Specialist Teaching Worker Award and/or Learning Support Certificate
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students and staff.
• Empathy, sensitivity and ability to develop and sustain rapport with staff and students.
• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and demands of working with people with differing needs/disabilities/learning difficulties – specifically those who have autism.

Please see the person specification for the full criteria.

Generous holiday allowance – up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.

Flexible working options to provide a better work‑life balance.

Medicash health plans to look after you and your family.

Pension scheme – access to the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes.

Professional development – continual formal and informal opportunities.

Industrial Commercial Updates – 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation.

Reward and Recognition – ‘Get Recognised’ employee reward scheme.

Lifestyle Fitness Gym – discounted access to a modern on‑campus gym.

Health and Wellbeing – staff groups (yoga, walking, meditation), Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Travel – discounted rail or bus travel, interest‑free season ticket loans, free on‑campus parking.

Retail Discounts – cashback and discounts at well‑known retailers.

Blue Light Card – eligibility to apply for exclusive discounts.