Specialist Support Assistant (Teaching Assistant)

Talbot House Children's Charity; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Death in service

EAP (employee assistance)

Pension matching up to 6.75%

Meals provided

DBS update service

Training opportunities

Discount scheme

Job summary

Talbot House Children’s Charity seeks a Specialist Support Assistant to work in a non-maintained specialist school with small class sizes (Reception to Key Stage 4). The role is term-time, permanent, with starting date asap subject to notice. Salary is published and reflects a 52-week yearly pay, not pro-rated to terms.

DBS checks and safeguarding commitments apply. Hours vary by option, with three scheduling sets totaling 39 or 33.25 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with SEN pupils with complex needs including SEMH, ASD, ADHD, Trauma and attachment.

Skills

SEN experience

Complex needs

SEMH

ASD

ADHD

Trauma and attachment

Job description

Specialist Support Assistant (Teaching Assistant)

Job Summary

Contract Type: Term-time only (Permanent)

Working Pattern: Please see advert text

Advert Start Date: 08/09/2026

Advert End Date: 30/09/2026 23:59

Salary: Salary: £26,321.82 per annum or £22,441.04 per annum (this is the actual salary, you are paid 52 week of the year, it is not subject to a pro-rata calculation)

Job Category: Schools - Teaching Assistant

Vacancy ID: 301645

Employment Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Closing date: 30 Sep

Further Information

Due to an expansion of numbers, Talbot House Children's Charity are looking to recruit Specialist Support Assistants (SSAs), to work in our school.

The suitable applicants must have experience of working with SEN pupils with complex needs, including SEMH, ASD, ADHD, Trauma and attachment, some of pupils may have multiple needs.

We are a Non-Maintained Specialist School with pupils ranging from Reception to Key Stage 4. Class sizes are rarely bigger than 6 pupils.

Starting date is as soon as possible, pending your notice period.

Hours of work are, Term Time only, as follows:

Option 1:

• Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and 8:00am to 3:00pm on a Friday.

Option 2:

• Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and 8:30am to 3:30pm on a Friday.

Option 1 and 2 is a total of 39 hours per week, including paid lunch periods.

Option 3:

• Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 3:15pm and 8:30am to 2:45pm on a Friday (great for those with school drop off and pick up commitments).

Option 3 is a total of 33.25 hours per week, including paid lunch periods.

Salary: £26,321.82 per annum or £22,441.04 per annum (this is the actual salary, you are paid 52 week of the year, it is not subject to a pro-rata calculation).

Working at the Charity you will:

• receive death in service benefit, equal to 4 x basic salary.
• receive many additional benefits such as employer assist programme (EAP), GP and physio access and more.
• have the option of joining the Charity's competitive pension scheme, matching contributions up to 6.75%.
• work in a bright and modern environment, with ample parking and grounds.
• be provided with meals while at work, be added to the DBS update service, paid for by the Charity.
• be offered opportunities to undertake training and gain qualifications relevant to the role.
• paid membership to Blue Light and membership to Charity Workers Discount.

Note: The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment (see full policy details on our website)

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances and continued subscription to the DBS Update Service.

Supporting documents

• SSA - JD & PS - June 2026.pdf (121.12 KB)
• 01. THCC Application Form - Updated 2026.docx (100.15 KB)
• 02. Tips for Applicants - Feb 2024.pdf (114.52 KB)
• 05. Diversity Monitoring Form - Feb 2025.doc (184.0 KB)

Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (please note: we reserve the right to short list, interview and close this vacancy early, or extend the deadline, depending on the level of response).

Shortlisting: Weekly, upon receipt of applications.

If you have any queries regarding this position or the application process, please contact HR on 0191 229 0111 or email: [e-mail]