Empowering Teaching Assistant – Special Education

The Forest School; Calcutt; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forest School is seeking a dedicated General Teaching Assistant to support learning and development for pupils with a range of needs at our well‑established special school in Knaresborough. You will work closely with Teachers to create inclusive activities and monitor progress, with emphasis on safeguarding and emotional wellbeing.

Role involves personal care and use of specialist equipment, partnering with safeguarding and support staff to ensure safe, engaging education for ages 3–16.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and team-working skills, with strong reading and numeracy.
• Emotional resilience when managing challenging behaviours and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding, professional boundaries, equality and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Learning & Participation: support tailored learning activities and feedback on pupil progress.
• Care & Wellbeing: assist with personal care and maintain records for medications.
• Therapy & Support: support use of equipment to implement care programmes.
• Behaviour & Engagement: apply positive behaviour strategies and support wellbeing.
• Environment & Resources: prepare classroom materials and assist with ICT.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team working

Emotional resilience

Safeguarding awareness

ICT abilities

Reading & numeracy

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Tools

ICT tools

Job description

The Forest School is seeking a dedicated General Teaching Assistant to support learning and development for pupils with a range of needs at our well‑established special school in Knaresborough. You will work closely with Teachers to create inclusive activities and monitor progress, with emphasis on safeguarding and emotional wellbeing.

Role involves personal care and use of specialist equipment, partnering with safeguarding and support staff to ensure safe, engaging education for ages 3–16.