Most teaching assistant roles feel like crowd control in a mainstream classroom where your talents get lost in the noise. This is different. You'll work in a specialist school where every interaction you have with a young person genuinely changes their trajectory - supporting pupils with SEMH, autism and complex behaviours who've struggled everywhere else, and helping them discover they can actually succeed
Imagine coming to work knowing that the young people you're supporting have been written off by the system. Many have spent years in mainstream settings where they were constantly told they couldn't cope, couldn't behave, couldn't learn. Your job is to prove them wrong. You'll use trauma-informed approaches to help them manage their behaviour, build genuine confidence, and engage with learning in ways they never thought possible. You'll see the moment it clicks - when a young person realises they're capable
This school specialises in therapeutic education for Year 1 through to Year 13. That means you're not just babysitting or enforcing rules; you're actively removing the barriers that have held these young people back. You'll adapt your support to each individual's needs under teacher guidance, help with classroom organisation, monitor progress, and create an environment where safety and respect come first. The work is skilled, it matters, and it's genuinely transformative
You'll join a team that lives the EPIC values and operates under a clear Staff Code of Conduct. This is a school where everyone is focused on pupil wellbeing and achievement, where your training is fully funded, and where your experience and qualifications are properly recognised on the pay scale. You'll have access to a pension scheme, enhanced parental pay, and real professional development that moves your career forward
What you will be doing
- Assist pupils with learning activities, adapting your support to meet individual needs under teacher guidance
- Support young people's social, emotional and behavioural development using trauma-informed approaches
- Help manage behaviour in line with the school's behaviour policy, creating a safe and respectful learning environment
- Encourage pupil engagement and independence in learning tasks
- Assist with classroom organisation, resource preparation and record-keeping of pupil progress
- Help maintain a clean, safe and orderly learning environment
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £26,228 - £27,593 per year, with enhanced pay scales based on your experience and qualifications
- Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues, so you can develop and progress
- NEST enhanced pension scheme, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and life assurance
- Access to a blue light discount card and employee benefits scheme including wellbeing apps and discounts
- Refer a friend scheme - both of you can split a £500 referral bonus
Is this you?
- You're genuinely committed to and passionate about supporting young people with SEND
- You have at least two years' experience working in a SEND environment or similar provision
- A level 3 TA qualification is advantageous (but not essential if you have strong relevant experience)
- You're able to work full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.