Teaching Assistant

Unity Schools Partnership; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Unity Schools Partnership is seeking a caring Teaching Assistant for Sir Bobby Robson School in Ipswich. The role supports learners in lessons, delivers literacy and numeracy interventions, and promotes emotional development in a specialist SEMH setting.

You will work in small classes with a high staff-to-pupil ratio, joining enrichment activities and building strong relationships with pupils and staff. The position is part-time, permanent, with scheduling across 37 hours per week for 38 weeks

Qualifications

• Patience, empathy and a passion for supporting children.
• Resilience to respond calmly to SEMH challenges.
• Ability to build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Interest in high-quality training and CPD opportunities.
• Commitment to inclusive, supportive school environment.

Responsibilities

• Support learners in lessons alongside teachers to access the curriculum.
• Deliver targeted interventions in literacy, numeracy, and SEND/SEMH programmes.
• Promote social and emotional development and positive relationships.
• Encourage participation across a broad curriculum including sport and arts.
• Participate in enrichment activities to build confidence and independence.
• Be a role model demonstrating patience, consistency and positivity.
• Work in small classes with a high staff-to-pupil ratio.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Resilience

Relationship building

Teamwork

Job description

Contract: Part Time, Permanent (37 hours per week / 38 weeks per year)

At Sir Bobby Robson School, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel they truly belong. Through strong relationships and high expectations, we help them to believe in themselves and their future so they can become the very best version of who they want to be. We are a specialist SEMH school for pupils aged 8-16 and we are looking for a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our team. Our pupils have huge potential and with the right support they thrive.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital part in the classroom and the wider school community. Your role will include:

• Supporting learners in lessons – working alongside teachers to help pupils access the curriculum, whether in whole-class settings, small groups or 1:1.
• Delivering targeted interventions – focusing on literacy, numeracy and wider SEND/SEMH programmes to help pupils make progress.
• Promoting social and emotional development – helping pupils manage their feelings, build resilience and develop positive relationships.
• Encouraging participation in a broad curriculum – supporting lessons in sport, art, music, vocational and outdoor learning.
• Contributing to enrichment activities – joining pupils in activities beyond the classroom that build confidence, independence and a sense of achievement.
• Being a role model every day – showing pupils patience, consistency and positivity to help them make good choices and use strategies to manage their emotions.
• You’ll work in smaller classes with a high staff-to-pupil ratio which means you can build strong relationships and see the difference you make daily.

About you: We are looking for someone who:

• Has patience, empathy and a passion for supporting children and young people.
• Is resilient and able to respond calmly to the challenges SEMH needs can bring.
• Can build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Enjoys working as part of a supportive and positive staff team.
• Wants to keep learning – we provide high-quality training and CPD opportunities through both our school and Unity Schools Partnership.
• We are a friendly school with a strong school ethos and vision.
• Class sizes are small and there is a high staff-to-pupil ratio.
• There is trust wide training, CPD and career development opportunities.
• You will make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families across Suffolk.

Interview date: w/c 12th October 2026

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

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.