Specialist Unit Teaching Assistant

Bearbrook Combined School; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Bearbrook Combined School in Aylesbury is seeking a dynamic Teaching Assistant to work in our SEND Unit, focusing on education for children with communication and interaction difficulties. The role is term time only (38 weeks), 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday, based in The Bearbrook Den within the school.

You will support pupils with SEND, observe and record progress, and contribute to rapid career development within the Great Learners Trust.

Qualifications

• Excellent communicator with children with SEND, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Ability to adapt learning for children with SEND.
• Self-motivated, proactive and well-organised.
• Promotes the school’s SEND policy and inclusive practices.
• Supports safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Observe, record and feedback information on pupil performance.
• Work within the SEND Unit (Bearbrook Den) to support learning.
• Promote the school vision and values in daily practice.
• Collaborate as part of a strong team to support pupils’ learning and development.

Skills

Team player

Excellent communicator

Adapt learning for SEND

Self-motivated

Organised

Promote wellbeing

Safeguarding focus

Inclusive practice

Job description

About the School

Bearbrook Combined School is a vibrant, friendly, and exciting school at the heart of a diverse community in Aylesbury. Our school’s vision is to empower all to achieve and flourish on their journey to outstanding. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious team player to make a real difference to children’s lives!

Ofsted December 2023: “Everyone is welcomed with a huge smile at Bearbrook” and “Staff, including those new to their career, are proud to work at Bearbrook. They are well supported by leaders within the school and trust. Staff speak positively about leaders prioritising the mental health and well‑being of both staff and pupils.”

This Opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced and inspirational Teaching Assistant to work within our SEND Unit, specialising in education for children with communication and interaction difficulties. We are looking for a strong practitioner who has knowledge and understanding of effectively supporting children with communication and interaction difficulties. They will have an understanding of SEND and the essential processes needed for successful SEND support and inclusion within a primary school and have evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.

What are we looking for

• Thrives professionally as part of a strong team.
• Is an excellent communicator with children with SEND, parents/carers, and colleagues.
• Can adapt learning successfully for children with SEND needs.
• Is self‑motivated, proactive, and well‑organised.
• Will promote the vision and culture that supports the school’s SEND policy.
• Is inclusive and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEND.
• Sustains our nurturing environment, where staff and children’s well‑being and mental health is a priority.
• Has a passion and drive to make a difference to our children’s learning, progress, and social development.
• Is committed to sharing and championing our school vision and values.
• Can build and maintain successful relationships with pupils, treating them with respect and consideration.
• Is responsible for promoting the wellbeing and safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people within the school.
• Can promote the inclusion, independence and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom, employing strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self‑reliance.
• Will be able to observe, record and feedback information on pupil performance.

Working Pattern

The role is term time only (38 weeks). Working hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm (1/2‑hour unpaid lunch break).

Location

The role will be based at Bearbrook Combined School within the SEND Unit (known as The Bearbrook Den).

Application Details

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Katie Smith, via the school office: 01296 488331. Closing date: Friday 10th July 2026. Interview date: TBC. Please note applications will be considered on arrival, and candidates may be contacted for interview before the closing date. Start Date: Required from 1st September 2026. In joining the Great Learners Trust, you will benefit from being a part of a dynamic and forward‑thinking Multi‑Academy Trust. We pride ourselves on offering high quality CPD opportunities and support structures to enable rapid career development.

Statement of Equality

The Great Learners Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non‑discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and Governors treat visitors, volunteers, contractors, and former staff members.

Safeguarding

Bearbrook Combined School and The Great Learners Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

The Great Learners Trust believes that every child can be a great learner – it is our job to make that happen!