Teaching Assistant

Unity Schools Partnership; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Unity Schools Partnership invites applications for part-time, permanent Teaching Assistant roles at The Bridge Special School, supporting pupils aged 4 to 19 with a wide range of needs, including autism. The role emphasizes helping pupils achieve their potential, promoting independence, and collaborating within a skilled, supportive team.

The school offers a modern campus with satellite sites, strong professional development, and safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and dedicated teaching assistant with a passion for supporting children and young people with SEND.
• Committed to helping pupils reach their full potential.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a skilled and supportive team.
• Access to significant professional development opportunities, including SEND training.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning.
• Promote independence for pupils.
• Ensure pupils have positive, engaging, and meaningful educational experiences.

Skills

SEND support

Team collaboration

Patience

Classroom assistance

Job description

Contract: Part-time, Permanent - 35 hours per week/ 38 weeks per year

At this exciting time for the school, we are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistants with a passion for supporting children and young people with special educational needs.

We are seeking individuals who are committed to helping pupils achieve their full potential, have high expectations for all learners, and can work collaboratively as part of a skilled and supportive team. Successful candidates will play a vital role in supporting teaching and learning, promoting independence, and ensuring that pupils have positive, engaging, and meaningful educational experiences.

The Bridge Special School is a popular school educating children and young people aged 4 to 19 who have a wide range of communication, physical, severe, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Many of our pupils are autistic and require highly individualised approaches to learning and support. The school serves a catchment area covering Ipswich and the surrounding areas of Suffolk.

The school is based on a modern campus, with the primary building opened in 2015 and excellent facilities designed to meet the needs of our pupils. As part of our continued growth and development, we have opened 2 additional satellite sites and in all settings we are committed to providing a stimulating and supportive environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.

The school is part of a collaborative and forward-thinking Academy Trust. Unity Schools Partnership is developing a strong network of special schools, having established specialist provision in Suffolk and with additional special schools approved in Ipswich and Romford. This creates exciting opportunities for collaboration, sharing expertise, and professional development across the Trust.

You will be supported in your role by experienced leaders and specialist staff who are committed to providing high-quality guidance, mentoring, and training. Significant professional development opportunities are available, including specialist SEND training, research-informed practice, apprenticeship and qualification pathways, and collaboration across schools and phases. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and build a rewarding career supporting children and young people with complex needs.

Interviews: 19 October 2026

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.