Teaching Assistant

Oaklands School, High Oaks; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A special school in Hounslow is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students with special needs, particularly those with autism and complex needs. The ideal candidate should be skilled in Makaton signing and be passionate about fostering student progress. This permanent role includes excellent training benefits, a pension scheme, and a supportive work environment. Working hours are 32.25 per week during term time, starting January 2025, with a salary range of £26,809 to £28,439 per annum.

Benefits

Onsite gym

Employee assistance programme

Discounted coffee and meals

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a special school or similar environment is essential.
• Passion for working with students with special needs is required.

Responsibilities

• Support learning activities and assist with delivery of classroom-based tasks.
• Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Skills

Competent in using Makaton signing

Experience working with students with autism

Commitment to safeguarding children

Job description

Overview

High Oaks Secondary School is part of Oaklands, an outstanding special school serving the London Borough of Hounslow, providing specialist education to students with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple difficulties and autism. We have a Primary school (New Oaks) and a Secondary school (High Oaks) across two sites with state of the art facilities for our students.

We are looking to appoint a highly skilled and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to work in our Secondary School. You must be passionate about working with students with special needs and have previous experience of working in a special school or similar environment. You must be competent with using Makaton signing and symbols for communication and have experience of working with students with autism and complex needs. We believe that all of our students are capable of making outstanding progress and we want to appoint individuals who share this belief. Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the role.

Responsibilities and requirements

• Support learning activities and assist with the delivery of classroom-based tasks.
• Competent in using Makaton signing and symbols for communication.
• Experience of working with students with autism and complex needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Benefits and working arrangements

• We value our employees and offer excellent training and support as well as a pension scheme and employee assistance programme.
• Onsite gym, showering facilities and coffee shop with discounted barista coffee. Freshly prepared meals available including hot lunches, sandwiches/paninis via our kitchen, shop and onsite cafe.
• Contract: Permanent, term time only; Hours: 32.25 hours per week; Start date: January 2025.

Safeguarding

Oaklands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position is subject to a satisfactory fully enhanced DBS check and references. Social media checks may be carried out on shortlisted candidates. All appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of a 26 working week probation period.

Application details

Details of this post are available on the school’s website. Visits to the school are welcome. Please contact HR for an appointment. If you believe you have what it takes to excel in this role and would like to join our friendly and supportive team, please complete and email the application form to HR. Please ensure that you explain clearly in your application how you meet the person specification.

Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 10th November 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 17th November 2025

Start Date: January 2025

Pay Scale: Hounslow Pay Scale 6 Point 16 to Point 20

Actual Salary: £26,809– 28,439 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent, term time only

Hours of work: 32.25 hours per week

8.30 am to 4.30pm Monday (to support curriculum team); 8.30 am to 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday

Induction: The successful candidate will be required to attend a pre-employment induction prior to commencing employment.

CVs will not be accepted. No agencies please

Note

Oaklands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and anyone applying to work at the school is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory fully enhanced DBS check and references being received. All appointments at Oaklands School are subject to the employee successfully completing a 26 working week probation period. Applicants are advised to read the Oaklands pay policy while considering their application.