Teaching Assistant

Lift Schools; Essex; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Hamford is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support teachers and help pupils access the curriculum. You’ll contribute to an inclusive, positive classroom environment and participate in apprenticeship pathways to develop your career in education.

Experience in supporting learning, strong communication, patience, and a collaborative approach are valued. Training opportunities include Level 3/5 TA apprenticeships and the Initial Teacher Training programme.

Qualifications

• GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards English and maths functional skills qualifications.
• a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards achieving one.
• good communication and interpersonal skills.
• patience and empathy in interactions with a variety of students and situations.
• a collaborative approach, understanding your role within the classroom and providing support when needed.
• resilience when faced with challenging situations and the ability to manage these professionally; and a reflective mindset.

Responsibilities

• develop an understanding of students' learning needs, including specific SEND needs, to help them access lesson content and achieve their learning goals;
• work in partnership with teachers to plan and deliver high-quality lessons, and assess students' learning;
• help students develop independent learning skills and manage their own learning;
• build positive relationships with students and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying our behaviour policy;
• support individual and small group targeted interventions; and
• work together with teaching staff, pastoral staff, the SENDCO and parents to support all students' learning.

Skills

GCSE Maths & English

Level 3 TA qualification

Strong communication

Patience & empathy

Collaborative approach

Behaviour management

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

We're looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our team at Lift Hamford, working closely with teachers to help every child achieve their full potential. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to pupils' learning, independence and confidence.

In this role, you'll support students so they can access the curriculum, participate in lessons and experience a sense of achievement. You'll help create a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. If you're ambitious about developing your career, we also offer Level 3 and Level 5 teaching assistant apprenticeships, plus access to our Initial Teacher Training programme.

Key responsibilities

You Will

• develop an understanding of students' learning needs, including specific SEND needs, to help them access lesson content and achieve their learning goals;
• work in partnership with teachers to plan and deliver high-quality lessons, and assess students' learning;
• help students develop independent learning skills and manage their own learning;
• build positive relationships with students and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying our behaviour policy;
• support individual and small group targeted interventions; and
• work together with teaching staff, pastoral staff, the SENDCO and parents to support all students' learning.

What we're looking for

You Will Have

• GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards English and maths functional skills qualifications;
• a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards achieving one;
• good communication and interpersonal skills;
• patience and empathy in your interactions with a variety of students and situations;
• a collaborative approach, understanding your role within the classroom and providing support when needed;
• resilience when faced with challenging situations and the ability to manage these professionally; and
• a reflective mindset, aware of your personal strengths and areas for growth.

You'll be enrolled on our Level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship if you work 20 hours or more per week and don't already hold this qualification. We're looking for someone who shares our commitment to equality and promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people. Does this sound like you?

Please visit our school or have an informal discussion about this incredible role. You can also email Sarah Hitches at [e-mail] or contact the school on 01255 673415.

About Our School

Lift Hamford is a vibrant school within the Lift Schools network, rated ‘Good' (November 2022), serving our coastal community. We are proud to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where high-quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Our staff work collaboratively to ensure all pupils thrive academically and personally.Our nursery, which opened in January 2026, is now an important part of our school community, helping us to support children and families from the very start of their educational journey.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work. Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you.