General Teaching Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

SEN allowance included in salary

Job summary

Forest Moor School in Harrogate is seeking a General Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH needs and assist teachers with planned activities. The role focuses on nurturing relationships, small-group guidance, and behaviour management. It requires DBS checks and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice.

You'll work to build strong pupil relationships, support wellbeing, and help with ICT and administrative tasks while safeguarding at breaks and during visits.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in English and Maths.
• Proven experience of working with children in a learning environment.
• Enhanced DBS check completed.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with behaviour management and planned activities.
• Provide 1:1 or small group guidance and feedback.
• Support pupils' social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Escort and supervise pupils on visits and breaks.
• Prepare learning areas and carry out minor clerical tasks.
• Support pupils' basic use of ICT.
• Supervise tests and provide access arrangements per exam rules.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication

Reading writing numeracy

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in English and Maths

Job description

General Teaching Assistant post at Forest Moor School, a Key Stage 2 to 4 provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, run within Wellspring Academy Trust. The role supports individual pupils and small groups in class and other learning spaces, with behaviour support, structured observation and feedback, and supervision on visits and at breaks. Classes are small and the school works on nurture principles, so building close relationships with pupils is central to the post. Visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Assist classroom teachers with positive behaviour management and pre-planned learning activities
• Use agreed structured observation methods to give feedback on pupils' learning, behaviour and participation
• Question pupils to support their thinking and give 1:1 or small group guidance
• Support pupils' social, emotional and physical wellbeing
• Escort and supervise pupils on educational visits, out-of-school activities and at break times
• Prepare learning areas and materials, and carry out minor clerical tasks such as photocopying
• Support pupils' basic use of ICT
• Supervise internal and external tests and provide access arrangements in line with exam regulations

What’s required

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in English and Maths

Experience

• Proven experience of working with children in a learning environment

Skills & knowledge

• Good written and verbal communication, including advising in accurate spoken English
• Good reading, writing and numeracy skills
• Understanding of child development and that children have differing individual needs
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a collaborative team
• Flexibility and adaptability

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Overseas criminal records check if lived or worked overseas in the last five years
• Pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128, where relevant

Other

• Ability to form strong relationships with pupils, their families and the wider school team
• Ability to keep appropriate professional boundaries
• Personal qualities and emotional resilience to thrive in a nurture-based setting

Nice to have

• Experience of working in an SEMH setting

What’s offered

• Investment in professional development and staff training at all levels
• Specialist support and training for candidates moving into special education
• SEN allowance included in the salary