Teaching Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Abbeyfield School in Chippenham is seeking a Teaching Assistant on a maternity cover contract. The role involves supporting teachers in lessons and working with pupils one-to-one or in small groups to help them reach their potential.

Hours are 28.5 per week, term-time only (39 weeks per year). Start date is December 2026 with a closing date of 5 November 2026. Experience with SEND, including ASD/ADHD, would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with students with special educational needs including ASD/ADHD would be an advantage.
• Experience of supporting teachers in classroom and with one-to-one or small-group work.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in the classroom and with students on a one-to-one basis or in small groups.
• Assist with behaviour management and creating a positive learning environment.

Job description

Teaching Assistant – Maternity Cover28.5 hours per week – Term time onlyStart date: December 2026 onwardsClose date: Thursday 5th November 2026 at 9amInterview date: W/C 9th November 2026Hours: 28.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year Grade E points 6 – 8 £26,847 - £27,709 pro rata based on hours and weeks per yearActual salary: £17,787 - £18,358 Number of students on roll: 900

Due to expansion and growth in student numbers, this is an exciting time to join Abbeyfield School. Our recent ‘Good’ Ofsted rating (November 2022) highlighted that ‘Staff are proud of the school and enjoy working at it. Leaders and Governors are supportive of staff’s workload and well-being'. As a result, both the leaders and students are looking for high-calibre staff who are committed to delivering outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for all. In October 2025 Abbeyfield School became part of The Athelstan Trust, one of the leading educational trusts in the South West.

The Athelstan Trust is a successful and growing Multi-Academy Trust consisting of six secondary schools and four primary schools in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire. We currently employ over 750 people and educate 5,000 pupils and plan to expand further over the coming years.

The Governors of Abbeyfield School are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant on a maternity cover contract. The successful applicant will have the exciting opportunity to work within a highly motivated team who are fully committed to developing students to fulfil their potential. They will be required to support teachers in the classroom and students on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Experience of working with students with various special educational needs, including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD) and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), would be an advantage as well as experience of managing positive behaviour.

Additional information Abbeyfield is a community school which occupies purpose-built premises. It is situated in a beautiful location, within commuting distance of Bath, Bristol and Swindon.

The school was inspected in November 2022 and we pledge to offer the following:

• Excellent students who will work with you to achieve the highest standards
• A high-performing and growing school
• Excellent leadership, which believes in rapid and sustainable leadership
• A thriving sixth form where pupils make strong progress
• Outstanding behaviour
• Friendly and welcoming pupils who thrive in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding

The Athelstan Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check along with standard pre-employment safeguarding checks. As the role includes working with children, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must, therefore, disclose all spent and unspent convictions. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview. We are a flexible working employer, and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us.