Senior Educational Teaching Assistant (Behaviour/Learning) - Upperthong J & I School

Kirklees Council; Holmfirth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Kirklees Council in Holmfirth is seeking a Senior Teaching Assistant for Upperthong J I & N School to provide tailored support for a child with specific needs during term-time. The role is 30 hours per week, 8:40–15:40, with a 30-minute lunch break, temporary until 31/8/27.

A nurturing, patient approach is essential. The ideal candidate will have SEND/SEMH experience in primary settings, understanding ASC/PDA profiles, and strong de-escalation and trauma-informed care skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEND/SEMH in primary settings.
• Experience with ASC and PDA profiles.
• Knowledge of de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support, implementing bespoke additional needs plans based on EHCP outcomes.
• Deliver de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed care.
• Support a child with bespoke learning activities, within the mainstream classroom and away from the classroom when needed.
• Support the same child in small group learning tasks.
• Work with the class teachers and other key staff to improve engagement and reduce exclusions.
• Record and monitor progress.

Skills

1:1 support

Trauma-informed care

Behaviour management

Flexible adjustments

Job description

Hours

30 hours a week. 8.40-3.40 with 30 minute lunch break. Term Time Only

Organisation

Schools

Directorate

Primary Schools

Service Area

Upperthong J I & N School

Hours

30 hours a week. 8.40-3.40 with 30 minute lunch break. Term Time Only

Number of Jobs

1

Location(s)

Burnlee Road Holmfirth HD9 2LE

Position type

Temporary

Length of contract

Temporary until 31/8/27 (pending funding)

Grade

Grade 7

Salary

£21,030 - £22,085

Advert Wording

Start Date: ASAP

Upperthong J&I is a warm and welcoming school that is committed to ensuring that the children are at the heart of everything we do.

We pride ourselves in providing a safe, happy and caring environment, where all children are proud to ‘ Learn, Achieve and Belong. ’.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, caring and hardworking individual as a Senior Teaching Assistant, providing tailored support for a child with specific needs.

We are seeking a passionate, nurturing, and resilient person to join a supportive primary school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support, implementing bespoke additional needs plans based on EHCP outcomes.
• Deliver de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed care.
• Support a child with bespoke learning activities, within the mainstream classroom and away from the classroom when needed.
• Support the same child in small group learning tasks.
• Work with the class teachers and other key staff to improve engagement and reduce exclusions.
• Record and monitor progress.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience working with children with SEND/SEMH in a primary setting; particularly ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) and PDA profiles.
• Training and experience of working with children who present with complex communication needs, executive functioning differences and difficulties externalising emotional expression.
• Strong behaviour management skills with a patient, nurturing and empathetic relationship based approach.
• Ability to be consistent, but flexible, and offer ‘in the moment’ reasonable adjustments.
• Team-Teach certification is highly desirable.
• Ability to build rapport with disengaged pupils.
• Calm under pressure with a positive, enthusiastic outlook.

We Can Offer You

• A warm, welcoming, inclusive school with a friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated team of teachers and support staff.
• Fantastic children who love learning and are proud of our school.
• Excellent opportunities to develop professionally and grow in your role.
• A strong CPD programme with support from Kirklees Outreach Services.
• A genuine opportunity to make a difference.

Ofsted February 2023: ‘ Pupils flourish at Upperthong Junior and Infant School. Relationships between adults and pupils are kind and respectful. Leaders have provided a broad and interesting curriculum for all pupils. They make sure this includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school. ’

Upperthong J&I School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

Further information can be found by visiting

This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level, please refer to the Job Description/Profile. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

Closing date

23 October 2026, 3:00 PM