ERF Teaching Assistant

Derby City Council; Springfield; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Primary School’s Enhanced Resource Facility (ERF) is expanding, offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant to support children with complex communication needs. You will join a motivated ERF team, helping learners access personalised provision within a newly built environment.

The role includes coaching, CPD opportunities, and working within a thriving school that prioritises inclusion and safeguarding as part of its ethos.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of SEND and inclusion in mainstream settings.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Reflective practitioner committed to meeting every child's needs.

Responsibilities

• Support ERF learners to access learning and develop communication and interaction skills.
• Collaborate with ERF team and external staff to deliver high-quality provision.
• Engage in CPD opportunities and share practice with colleagues.

Job description

Location: Springfield Primary School, Derby

Hours: 35 hours a week

Contract type: Permanent to start as soon as possible

Springfield Enhanced Resource Facility is a well‑established and successful provision for children with complex communication and interaction needs, which has recently undergone a significant expansion and new building project. This vacancy is a unique opportunity for an experienced teaching assistant to play a key part in our ERF provision.

The successful candidate will work within our ERF team to ensure that Springfield's Enhanced Resource Facility delivers excellent provision to meet the individual needs of each child and makes a real difference to the lives of children and families in Derby City. There will also be the opportunity to further develop your skills, knowledge and practice through coaching and support from experienced ERF colleagues, alongside a range of CPD.

At Springfield Primary School, inclusion is a key aspect of our whole school ethos. Our Enhanced Resource Facility is an integral part of our school, delivering specially tailored provision within a carefully designed learning environment. This is an extremely exciting time to join our ERF team at Springfield; our new ERF building, which includes a brand new bespoke sensory room, a specialist soft play room, three new classrooms and a new outdoor play area, opened for the Autumn Term 2026.

We are, therefore, looking to appoint an experienced teaching assistant, who is committed, dedicated, determined and resilient - an individual who is knowledgeable about SEND and skilled at bringing out the best in all our learners so that they develop their communication and interaction skills, allowing them to successfully access learning and develop positive friendships with their peers.

We are looking for an excellent teaching assistant, to join our growing ERF team.

The successful candidate will:

• 1. Have excellent knowledge and understanding of SEND, alongside the unshakeable belief that all children can be successful in their learning when their needs are fully met


• 2. Have a calm and positive disposition, able to build effective relationships with children, parents and colleagues.


• 3. Be skilled in supporting and engaging children of all abilities in their learning


• 4. Be a reflective practitioner, who ensures that all children's needs are fully met


• 5. Be an effective team player with excellent communication skills


• 6. Be flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond positively to the day to day challenges of supporting children with complex needs.

Springfield Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As this post is regulated activity, successful appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and relevant recruitment checks that comply with guidance in the most recent version of Keeping Children Safe in Education. We are committed to equality of opportunity in employment and services. Springfield Primary School is part of the Odyssey Collaborative Trust

We strongly encourage visits to school, which can be arranged by contacting, the School Business Manager, Clair Goodwin on 01332 673846 or by emailing the Trust ERF Lead, Kirstie Large [e-mail]

The closing date for this vacancy is Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 09:00am. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Interviews will be held Tuesday 17 November 2026.