SEND Teaching Assistant

Ford Primary School; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Ford Primary School in Plymouth is seeking an inspiring Teaching Assistant to join our Targeted Provision: A Village of Creativity. This role goes beyond classroom support, nurturing the whole child through hands-on learning that connects nature, art and community.

The TA will support mainstream classes, lead nature-based sessions, and help foster belonging, self-esteem and engagement. You will work with families and staff to design inclusive, holistic experiences.

Qualifications

• TA experience or interest in developing in this role, with arts/performing arts or outdoor learning background.
• Passion for creativity, inclusion and alternative education approaches.
• Able to work flexibly in a dynamic, child-centered environment and foster belonging.
• Develop positive relationships with pupils, staff and families; contribute to village of creativity.
• Collaborate with Community, SENDCos and Leadership Team on curriculum design.

Responsibilities

• Manage group sessions focused on nature-based learning, gardening, and outdoor exploration.
• Work alongside teachers and TAs in mainstream classes when relevant and necessary.
• Support inclusive, creative activities such as community art, music, and local service projects.
• Foster strong relationships with pupils, families, and the wider community.
• Champion the principles of permaculture and holistic education.
• Support teaching and learning in class and become part of the whole school team approach.

Skills

TA experience

Creative education

Outdoor learning

Permaculture

Forest School

Community engagement

Education

Equivalent experience and qualifications

Job description

Do you believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive through creativity, nature, and connection?

Ford Primary is looking for an inspiring and compassionate Teaching Assistant (TA) to join our Targeted Provision: A Village of Creativity.

This unique role goes beyond traditional classroom support—it's about nurturing the whole child through hands‑on, meaningful learning experiences. Key areas of couch, in addition to supporting teaching and learning within mainstream classes, is to increase attendance, develop a deeper sense of belonging, increase self-esteem and engagement and work in nature, where relevant to develop the whole child and in a holistic way.

As a TA, you will:

• Manage group sessions focused on nature-based learning, gardening, and outdoor exploration.
• Work alongside teachers and TAs in mainstream classes when relevant and necessary
• Support inclusive, creative activities such as community art, music, and local service projects.
• Foster strong relationships with pupils, families, and the wider community.
• Champion the principles of permaculture and holistic education.
• Support teaching and learning in class and become part of the whole school team approach to teaching and learning.

We’re looking for people who:

• Has TA experience or interest in developing in this role (or equivalent experience and qualifications - linked ideally to the arts, performing arts, permaculture, outdoor learning eg - Forest School and other equivalent experience).
• Brings a passion for creativity, inclusion, and alternative education approaches.
• Thrives working flexibly in a dynamic, child‑centered environment—where education feels like family, and every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
• Can build positive and purposeful relationships with pupils and staff and develop experiences where pupils make and create as a contributor to our village of creativity set up.
• Work alongside Community, SENDCos and Leadership Team to become co‑leader in the design and set up of our Village of Creativity and its curriculum.

About the School

Ford Primary is a welcoming and inclusive one‑form entry school that serves approximately 210 children aged 3 to 11. Established in 1895, the school blends its rich history with modern educational practices to provide a nurturing environment where every child is valued for their uniqueness and cultural heritage.

As part of the Learning Academies Trust since August 2023, Ford Primary collaborates with 17 other primary schools across Plymouth, fostering a community of shared learning and support.

About the Trust

The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will…

work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools.

Further information about the position, the trust and the benefits we offer can be found in the attached recruitment pack.

Please note, the closing date is for guidance only. Successful applicants will be invited to interview at the earliest available opportunity. Learning Academies Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.