Specialist SEND Unit Teaching Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Nacton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive school community

Professional development

Collaboration with staff & external

Staff development culture

Job summary

The Rockpool SEND provision at The Willows Primary School is seeking a caring teaching assistant to join the founding team. You will support up to 12 KS1 pupils with communication and interaction needs, including autism, helping them engage with learning and build independence alongside teachers.

Based in an Orwell Multi Academy Trust academy, the role uses visual supports and structured routines to aid progress. Visa sponsorship is not available and an enhanced DBS check is required.

Qualifications

• Patient, positive and committed approach.
• Flexibility and teamwork.
• Willingness to learn.
• Support each childs learning, communication and emotional regulation.

Responsibilities

• Create a calm, safe and stimulating learning environment where each child feels valued.
• Build warm, trusting relationships that develop childrens confidence, communication and independence.
• Work with teachers and the SENDCo to support individual learning, communication and emotional regulation needs.
• Use visual supports, structured routines and communication-friendly strategies to help pupils access learning and build self-help and life skills.
• Contribute to observations and records of pupil progress.
• Support inclusion opportunities within the wider school community.

Skills

Calm environment

Flexibility

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Job description

This teaching assistant post sits in The Rockpool, the specialist SEND provision at The Willows Primary School, an Orwell Multi Academy Trust academy, for up to 12 Key Stage 1 pupils with communication and interaction needs, including autism. The role centres on supporting each child's learning, communication and emotional regulation alongside teachers and the SENDCo, using visual supports and structured routines to build independence. Those joining the founding team help shape a provision that opened in September 2026. Visa sponsorship is not available, and an enhanced DBS check is required.

What the job involves

• Create a calm, safe and stimulating learning environment where each child feels valued
• Build warm, trusting relationships that develop children's confidence, communication and independence
• Work with teachers and the SENDCo to support individual learning, communication and emotional regulation needs
• Use visual supports, structured routines and communication-friendly strategies to help pupils access learning and build self-help and life skills
• Contribute to observations and records of pupil progress
• Support inclusion opportunities within the wider school community

Skills & knowledge

• Patient, positive and committed approach
• Flexibility and teamwork
• Willingness to learn

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Eligible to work in the UK

Other

• Caring, enthusiastic and motivated

What’s offered

• Welcoming and supportive school community
• High-quality training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced staff and external professionals
• School that values staff contribution and encourages skill and confidence development