Teaching Assistant

Five Education; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS

Referral bonus

Specialist training

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater to work with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and/or mental health challenges. The role involves 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day, in a warm, inclusive setting.

The successful candidate will have TA/LSA experience or transferable skills from related backgrounds. A DBS update and two references are required, with a welcoming team and opportunities for training provided.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or similar is ideal.
• Ability to support pupils with varied needs and adapt activities accordingly.
• Experience with SEND or mental health challenges is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups in classroom and outdoor settings.
• Help pupils stay focused, calm and regulated throughout the day.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual pupil needs.
• Support pupils with needs including ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs and behavioural challenges.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils and staff to unlock potential.
• Create and maintain a safe, stimulating, and positive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small groups

Classroom support

Behaviour management

Communication

Patience & empathy

Job description

An excellent, well-resourced special school in Bridgwater is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves working with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and/or mental health challenges, providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker, or similar. However, applicants from related backgrounds such as mental health, sport, care, or youth work are also encouraged to apply.

The school has fantastic feedback from parents and supply staff and is known for its welcoming, inclusive environment. It is easily accessible by public transport and requires staff who can commit to full-time (5 days per week). For experienced candidates, pay rates can reflect this.

The Role Will Involve

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, both in the classroom and during outdoor activities
• Helping pupils remain focused, calm, and regulated throughout the day
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual pupil needs
• Supporting pupils with a range of needs, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs, and behavioural challenges
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff to help pupils reach their full potential
• Creating and maintaining a safe, stimulating, and positive learning environment

Who We're Looking For

• Kind, patient, and compassionate individuals
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Confident in managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation
• Strong communicators with a positive, proactive mindset
• Able to build rapport with young people, especially those who may struggle to trust adults
• Previous SEND experience is desirable but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills

Essential requirements

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one*
• *Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.