SEND Learning Support/ Teaching Assistant

Ludham Primary School and Nursery; Runham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Ludham Primary School and Nursery in Norfolk invites applications for a SEND Teaching Assistant to support our KS1 class and help children access learning.

This temporary role runs for three terms with a possible permanent appointment from April 2027; it is term-time plus one week, and the successful candidate will contribute to Forest School and outdoor learning activities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children.
• Positive, proactive and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Genuine passion for helping children succeed.

Responsibilities

• Support KS1 class to access learning and develop emotionally.
• Help children build resilience and independence.
• Contribute to a calm, supportive classroom environment.
• Collaborate with staff to deliver SEND provision and Forest School activities.

Skills

Experience working with children

Excellent communication skills

Positive, proactive and nurturing

Emotionally intelligent

Team player

Job description

Part of the Hartismere Family of Schools

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: https://www.ludham.norfolk.sch.uk

Headteacher: Mrs Andrea Goreham

NOR: 105

• Salary: Scale A-D
• Temporary until Jan 2027
• Full Time
• Term Time + 1 week
• Required ASAP

Ludham Primary School and Nursery is situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, on a beautiful site with extensive outdoor learning spaces and a well-established Forest School provision for children aged 2–11.

We are seeking to appoint a committed, energetic and emotionally intelligent SEND Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to support our KS1 class. This is a temporary role for three terms initially, with the possibility of becoming permanent from April 2027.

There may be days it is demanding, unpredictable at first, but deeply rewarding and absolutely vital. You will be supporting children to access learning, develop emotionally, build resilience and gain independence. You will need to think on your feet, adapt in the moment and see the bigger picture - always putting the children first.

We want someone who:

• Is flexible, adaptable and quick-thinking.
• Someone with commitment, presence and heart.
• Believes passionately that education changes lives.
• Understands that SEND support is about relationships first, learning second and paperwork last.
• Works brilliantly as part of a team and communicates openly and professionally.
• Can remain calm, positive and solution-focused even on tricky days.
• Has the emotional intelligence to support behaviour with understanding, with consistency and care.
• Sees the bigger picture and contributes positively to school life, not just their own classroom.

Essential:

• Experience working with children.
• A positive, proactive and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A genuine passion for helping children succeed.

Desirable:

• Experience of working with SEND.
• Knowledge or experience of the Thrive Approach/ELSA or similar.
• Forest School or outdoor learning experience.
• Read Write Inc phonics training.
• A willingness to undertake further SEND training.

You must have a kind but firm approach, encouraging independence, responsibility and resilience. You will need patience, empathy and the unwavering belief that every child deserves someone who never gives up on them.

As a small, community primary school, relationships matter deeply to us. Building trust with families and contributing to the wider school community is part of this role.

In return, we offer:

• A supportive, forward-thinking leadership team.
• A warm, inclusive school with a strong moral purpose.
• Excellent CPD and training opportunities.
• Outstanding outdoor learning provision.
• A hardworking, loyal and friendly staff team.
• Wonderful children who make every day worthwhile.

This role is ideal for someone who wants more than "just a job" and believes children deserve emotionally available adults who care deeply, act bravely and never settle for "good enough".

Visits to school are warmly encouraged.

Please contact Mrs Russell (School Administrator) [e-mail] or contact the office 01692 678293

Closing Date: 31 October 2026, 10am

Interview Date: W/C 2 or 9 November

Ludham Primary School and Nursery is committed to safeguarding pupils. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, health check and Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and proof of right to work in the UK. We are an equal opportunities employer.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.