Enhanced Teaching Assistant – SEN

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oaks Secondary School in Spennymoor, Durham, is seeking a permanent Teaching Assistant on a full-time contract (37 hours per week). The role is term-time only plus ten days, with a pro rata salary of £28,142–£31,022.

We require NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent (NNEB, CACHE Diploma, BTEC Nursery Nursing). You will support pupils with SEN and work under the guidance of teaching staff to promote academic, physical and social development.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification required.
• Experience delivering educational and social programmes with individuals or groups of young people with SEN preferred.
• Ability to communicate in accurate spoken English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with a wide range of special educational needs under the direction of the Head teacher.
• Work closely with pupils and classroom staff to assist academic, physical and social development.
• Contribute to a safe and positive learning environment during the school day.

Education

NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant

NNEB

CACHE Diploma in Nursery Nursing

BTEC Diploma in Nursery Nursing

Job description

Permanent Contract- Full Time 37 hours per week- Monday 8.10am to 4pm Tuesday 8.10am to 4pm Wednesday 8.10am to 4.40pm Thursday 8.10am to 4pm Friday 8.20am to 3.50pm

Term Time Only + 10 days

Required to start as soon as possible.

This post is based at The Oaks Secondary School, a generic special school for pupils aged 11–19 who have moderate, severe, or profound and multiple learning difficulties and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has received an Outstanding grading from Ofsted in its last four consecutive inspections.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, broaden your experience across the school, and progress within a supportive team environment.

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant, NNEB, CACHE Diploma in Nursery Nursing, BTEC Diploma in Nursery Nursing.
• Have experience of delivering educational and social programmes with individuals or groups of young people with SEN.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Under the direction of the Head teacher, the successful candidates will work closely with pupils who have a wide range of special educational needs. They will be supported by classroom teachers and teaching assistants throughout the school day and will develop skills and experience in supporting pupils’ academic, physical, and social development.

Term time only plus ten days’ pay Calculation of term time only plus ten additional days’ 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
• Ten additional days, inclusive of CPD – 10 days; 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 10 days + 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 10 days) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date for applications is Monday 7th September 2026 at noon

Interview date: TBC

The Oaks Secondary School

Rock Road, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7DB

Tel: [phone] – Option 4

Email: [e-mail]

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £28,142 to £31,022 (Pro rata)

Location: Spennymoor, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant