Enhanced Teaching Assistant (2 posts)

Durham County Council; Benfieldside; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority is seeking an Enhanced Teaching Assistant for Villa Real School, a special education institution in Benfieldside. The successful candidate will work within a dedicated team to support students with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Responsibilities include managing educational programs, assisting with assessments, and supervising support staff. Candidates must have relevant qualifications and experience working with students with significant needs. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and a fulfilling work environment focused on inclusivity and excellence.

Benefits

CPD opportunities

Annual leave

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience working in a special education environment is essential.
• Ability to support students with SLD, PMLD, and Autism.
• Must be able to manage support assistants under guidance.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to support pupils' needs.
• Manage support assistants and oversee student programs.
• Contribute to assessments and discussions on pupil achievements.

Skills

Knowledge of students with high needs

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Relevant qualifications in education or childcare

Job description

Enhanced Teaching Assistant
Grade 6
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Permanent, term time only plus 2 weeks, Mon – Fri 37 hours per week
Required to start as soon as possible

Villa Real School is an all age 2 to 19 years Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism.

The Governors are seeking to employ a dynamic and enthusiastic Enhanced Teaching Assistant to enhance the care and support in our school, who has knowledge of students with a high level of need.

Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.

We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.

Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally. Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the special candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward thinking and innovative ethos.

The role:

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to meet the needs of pupils and students attending Villa Real School.
• Behave in a professional way at all times in keeping with the vision and ethos of the school.
• Work with individuals or groups of pupils carrying out educational programmes, as directed by the teacher.
• Make contributions to assessments, reviews and discussions on pupil’s achievements and developments.
• Manage the Support Assistants (SA) on eating and feeding programmes, communication targets, moving and handling plans, medical management plans, behaviour management plans and toilet training programmes as directed by the teacher.
• During breaks, supervise pupils and direct the SA in the supervision of pupils.
• Take a full part in both school based and externally provided professional development.
• Work in any department of the school when necessary and as directed by the Senior Management Team.
• Carry out other duties or responsibilities as required by the Head Teacher which contribute to the smooth running of the classroom or the school as a whole.

Application form and further details are available by email and returnable to the Head Teacher.

Closing date: 14th January 2026 at 9am
Interview date: w/c 26th January 2026

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

VILLA REAL SCHOOL
VILLA REAL ROAD
CONSETT
CO. DURHAM
DH8 6BH

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.villarealschool.co.uk

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