How to Write a Great SEND Teaching Assistant CV
11 Dec, 20231-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- How to write a great SEND Teaching Assistant CV.
- 9 tips to create a great SEND Teaching Assistant CV.
- How to find and apply for the best SEND Teaching Assistant jobs.
If you’re searching for a new job, writing a great Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Teaching Assistant CV is essential to showcase your skills and experience and can be the key to securing an interview. However, it can be difficult to know how to write your CV and what to include in order to guarantee an interview.
According to the Department for Education, there was a 104% increase in adverts for SEND Teaching Assistants when compared with the previous six months. If you want to pursue the role of SEND Teaching Assistant in a competitive job market, you need to make sure that your CV is strong, effective and up-to-date.
Preparing a CV for a teaching job that aligns with the employer's expectations is the best way to increase your chances of getting the job. Follow this comprehensive guide for tips, advice, and expertise on how to craft an outstanding CV that will impress potential employers and increase your chances of success.
How to write a great SEND Teaching Assistant CV
Tips to create an impressive SEND Teaching Assistant CV:
- Write a strong personal statement.
- Provide up to date contact information.
- Include employment history and experience.
- Include education and qualifications.
- Demonstrate skills.
- Highlight special achievements.
- Tailor your CV.
- Keep it short, concise and punchy.
Write a strong personal statement
Begin your CV with a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for working with students with special educational needs and disabilities. This is your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light and make your application stand out.
Briefly mention your relevant qualifications, experience, and your commitment to helping students with special needs reach their potential. This will inform the hiring manager of whether you have the potential to be a great candidate based on your experience, qualifications and ability to sell yourself and your skills.
Candidates should briefly summarise their qualifications, experience, and key skills related to the role of a SEND Teaching Assistant. It is important to mention any areas of specialisation, highlight your strengths and what it is you’re looking for in terms of career progression or opportunities to expand your skills and gain experience.
Provide up to date contact information
It might seem obvious but remember to include your contact information at the top of your CV. Include your name, phone number, email address and location at the top of your CV. Ensure that your contact details are accurate and up to date to give the hiring manager the chance to contact you about interviews or the next stage in the recruitment process.
As specialist recruiters, we see hundreds of CVs on a daily basis and you’d be amazed at how many CVs miss off crucial contact information.
Include employment history and experience
It is essential that candidates have proven experience working with children and especially children with SEND. This is where candidates should list their previous work history with children, special needs or education.
Either list your employment history and previous experience starting from the most recent or by relevance to the SEND Teaching Assistant role. Mention any experience that you gained in behaviour management, special educational needs, planning and assessment and any stand-out achievements.
These examples demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have the ability to support and collaborate with teaching staff and an understanding of various special educational needs.
Include details such as your job title, the name of the school or organisation and the dates you worked there.
List key responsibilities and achievements and emphasise any specific disabilities or specialisations that you have experience with.
If you have no experience to talk about on your CV, another avenue to becoming a Teaching Assistant is to secure a place on an apprenticeship. Document any relevant experience that you have such as an apprenticeship or any volunteer time at a school.
Include education and qualifications
In this section, you should list all your educational qualifications, including any relevant degrees, diplomas, or certifications related to education or special needs. Schools will set their own educational requirements for applicants, but generally most schools require a grade 9-4 (A*-C) in GCSE Maths, English and Science.
Qualification requirements can vary between schools but if you have a degree (or any relevant qualifications) it is important to list them here as they could set you apart from other candidates. In your CV, include the name of the institution, graduation date, and any relevant details.
Qualifications or courses related to working with children in schools include:
- Level 1 Teaching Assistant.
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant.
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant.
- Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning.
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
- Level 3 Certificate Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools.
- Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Certificate.
Demonstrate skills
Skills are a crucial part of your CV as they demonstrate to the employer that you are qualified and that you have the right knowledge, understanding and abilities required to do the job.
Create a dedicated section to showcase your skills and abilities that are relevant to the role of a SEND Teaching Assistant. Highlight your most valuable skills such as communication, patience, empathy and behaviour management. Mention your ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff, parents and external professionals.
It could be beneficial to split your skills section between hard and soft skills to demonstrate that you have the skills required to be a SEND Teaching Assistant, as well as additional non-essential skills that can set candidates apart from others.
Demonstrate your active listening and interpersonal skills and any specific teaching techniques or methods you are proficient in to support pupils with special education needs and disabilities throughout their education.
Highlight special achievements
If you've received awards or recognition for your work as a SEND Teaching Assistant, be sure to mention them in a separate section. Achievements are impressive and can stand you apart from other candidates applying for the same role.
Focus on specific achievements related to SEND or education, or something you did while fulfilling a particular role that had a positive impact. Focus on unique achievements and structure it with three components to inform the employer that you can deliver:
- Using a particular skill.
- Carrying out a particular activity.
- Getting a measurable result.
Tailor your CV
It’s crucial to customise your SEND Teaching Assistant CV to the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting the specific qualifications and skills that match the job requirements.
Thoroughly check the job description as it contains a lot of key points and terms to incorporate into your CV. By tailoring your CV to each employer, you’re showing the hiring manager that you've taken the time to understand the role and considered what the school wants from the applicant.
If you’re wondering what hiring managers are looking for from your CV, our recent blog is packed full of handy tips and advice.
Keep it short, concise and punchy
Use a clean and professional format with a clear, legible font. Organise your CV with clear headings, columns and bullet points to make it easy to read. Keep it short, concise and punchy, ideally no longer than two pages in length in order to keep the reader's attention. Overloading your CV with information can put hiring managers and recruiters off!
Ensure that your CV is of a high standard and well-written by double checking and proofreading it for spelling and grammar errors. An error-free CV conveys professionalism and attention to detail which are essential traits which the school will be looking for.
SEND jobs
If you’re searching for a new role, check out our SEND jobs page or get in touch with our Managing Consultant, Jamie Heath, to discover the latest opportunities
Once you’ve written a great SEND Teaching Assistant CV (using all the handy tips in this blog), why not upload your CV and one of our education consultants will notify you when a relevant opportunity becomes available.
Searching for more SEND content?
If you loved this blog, you might also love:
- How to ace your SEND Teaching Assistant job interview.
- 8 most common special needs teaching assistant interview questions and answers.
- Do's and don'ts of CV writing.
- What hobbies to mention on your CV.
Local authority and SEND recruitment services
As an award winning SEND recruitment agency, we support schools all over the UK with their daily cover and permanent staffing needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? Alternatively, check out how recruitment agencies give you a competitive edge!
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017, we've been revolutionising the recruitment industry, going far beyond its traditional mechanics. Our dedication to driving positive change drives every aspect of our organisation, from our core values to our business practices.
For us, recruitment is not merely about matching candidates with clients; it's about our desire to discover the perfect job for candidates - a job that can enhance their income, elevate their quality of life, improve their work-life balance, and positively impact their mental well-being.
As we continue to progress, our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference resonates in every interaction. Whether it's individuals seeking their next career step or businesses striving for unprecedented growth, our determination to shape a brighter and more satisfying future for all remains steadfast.
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