Key Adult - Teaching Assistant

Danesfield Church of England Voluntary Controlled Community Middle School; Taunton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Danesfield Middle School invites applications for a Key Adult (Teaching Assistant) to join our SEND team. You will provide consistent, trusted support for pupils who need it most, building relationships and promoting independence alongside teachers and families.

This role focuses on emotional wellbeing, safeguarding and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning. We welcome candidates with experience in SEND, SEMH or challenging behaviour, or those bringing transferable skills to education.

Job description

Role: Key Adult (Teaching Assistant)

Location: Danesfield Middle School, Somerset

Start Date:December 2026

Closing Date: 30 October 2026

Interviews: Week Beginning 2 November 2026

Hours: 32.5 per week, Monday to Friday, term time, plus 5 INSET days

Salary: Grade 1 Scale point range 3 - 4 £25,614 - 26,016 full time equivalent

Actual annual salary: £19,330 - £19,633

We're looking for a compassionate, resilient and committed Key Adult to join our inclusive SEND team and provide consistent, trusted support for pupils who need it most.

This is far more than a traditional teaching assistant role. As a Key Adult, you'll become a stable and positive presence in a young person's school life—building strong relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, promoting independence and helping them overcome barriers to learning. Working alongside teachers, pastoral leaders, families and external professionals, you'll play a vital role in ensuring every child has the opportunity to flourish.

We're looking for someone who is calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent and passionate about making a lasting difference. Whether you have experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH or behavioural needs, or you're ready to bring your transferable skills into education, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone who:

• Builds positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Has patience, empathy and resilience.
• Can support pupils both emotionally and academically.
• Works well as part of a collaborative team.
• Shares our commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and high expectations for every child.

In return, we offer:

• A supportive and welcoming school community with strong Christian values.
• A dedicated and experienced SEND and pastoral team.
• High-quality professional development and training opportunities.
• A rewarding role where you will see the difference your support makes every day.
• The opportunity to be part of a school committed to helping every child flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

Come and help us ensure that every child knows they belong, believes they can succeed, and is inspired to achieve their very best.

We welcome visits to our school – please us and ask for Kellie Willis to arrange a time.