Project Worker 1 (Teaching Assistant (SEND, Learner Support & Preparation for Adulthood)

Help Young People Build Brighter Futures
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.

About the Role
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

About You
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.

Essential
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

Desirable
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

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .