SEN Teaching Assistant

Brookhaven; Bury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized educational institution in Bury is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support children with special educational needs (SEND). You will work under the guidance of teaching staff to aid students in their learning journey and manage classroom activities effectively. The role demands experience working with SEND children, a relevant NVQ qualification, and strong interpersonal skills. Join us to make a difference in students' lives and contribute to an inspiring educational environment.

Benefits

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Access to health and wellbeing plan

Discounts from hundreds of brands

Free eye tests

Cycle to work scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEND pupils.
• Understanding of Safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to promote a positive ethos and role model.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with their learning and care needs.
• Assist the teacher in the management of classroom activities.
• Work under the guidance of teaching staff.

Skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Literacy skills

Numeracy skills

Education

NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistant or equivalent

Job description

DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation

Brookhaven is now looking to recruit for a Teaching Assistant to join their team.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Teaching Assistant to work with the SEND pupils within our specialist school. The main purpose of the role is to work under the instruction / guidance of teaching staff to undertake work / care / support programmes, to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

We would welcome candidates who can demonstrate the following :

• NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistant (or recognised equivalent qualification or experience)
• Some experience of working with children with SEND
• The ability to work effectively within a team environment, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities
• The ability to promote a positive ethos and role model positive attributes
• Good level of interpersonal, numeracy and literacy skills
• An understanding of Safeguarding procedures and can promote the welfare and safety of children that they come into contact with

Brookhaven is an innovative, forward thinking school based in Bury where all learners are empowered to achieve their dreams. Where we believe everyone has the potential to be extraordinary! We have a world class team that work relentlessly to make every day a magical day of learning; to suit every child's needs, to ensure they make rapid gains not only as learners across the whole curriculum but as an individuals prepared for next century living as well as the world that we live in today. It is our duty and privilege as a school and community to make a difference every day.

Everything we do at Brookhaven is underpinned by our vision, values and ethos : We believe that all children should have the opportunity to be successful, whatever their starting point. We pledge an unswerving commitment to improve, accelerate and enable ambitious life goals for all students.

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.

We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.

If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.

Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment :

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan : Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
• Experienced leadership and subject‑specific support.
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
• Participating in peer reviews.
• Access to a suite of online courses.
• Placement projects within our family of schools.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from : Access to a full range of courses both in‑house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.

• Experienced leadership and subject‑specific support.
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
• Participating in peer reviews.
• Access to a suite of online courses.
• Placement projects within our family of schools.

Actual Salary: £22,471-£24,755

Working hours: 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 days (INSET)

Safeguarding Statement

Brookhaven Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, click here to review Safeguarding and Pupil Protection Policy https://www.shaw-education.org.uk/our-trust/key-information

This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.

An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.

Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.

In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an on‑going basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.

Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.