Specialist Teaching Assistant

Suffolk County Council; Stone; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 14,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Free parking

Staff development days

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Stone Lodge Academy is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEND) to work closely with teachers to raise pupil learning and attainment, while promoting independence, self-esteem and social inclusion for children with communication needs, including autism and moderate learning difficulties.

You will provide skilled, compassionate support to help pupils access the curriculum, participate fully in learning and experience a genuine sense of achievement.

Qualifications

• Provide skilled, compassionate support to help pupils access the curriculum.
• Work with small groups across different age ranges to support learning activities.
• Uphold honesty, integrity and professionalism in line with education standards.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with teachers to raise pupil learning and attainment.
• Support learning activities and participate in assessment through observation.
• Help create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment throughout the school day.

Job description

Job Description

• Stone Lodge Academy
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9HW
• Salary: £13,344 - £13,774 actual per annum, £25,185 - £25,989 pro rata
• Hours: 23 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 5408

Stone Lodge Academy is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEND) to work closely with teachers to raise pupil learning and attainment, while actively promoting independence, self-esteem and social inclusion for children and young people with communication and interaction needs, including autism and moderate learning difficulties.

You will provide skilled, compassionate support to help pupils access the curriculum, participate fully in learning and experience a genuine sense of achievement. Working with small groups across different age ranges, you will support learning activities, contribute to assessment through observation, and help create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment throughout the school day.

Teaching assistants are an integral part of our school workforce and are expected to act with honesty, integrity and professionalism, upholding standards comparable with other education professionals. You will work within a shared framework of expectations, always putting pupils first and demonstrating the values and behaviours that make a real difference to young people's lives.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• family friendly policies and flexible working
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• employee wellbeing initiatives
• free parking
• company events
• access to various memberships and discount schemes
• learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
• funded subject course development for your role
• range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
• career progression opportunities.

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits, including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Closing date: 8 am, 18 September 2026.

Interview date: 23 September 2026.

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date; early applications are encouraged.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.