Teaching Assistant

The Orchard; Leicester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading comprehensive school in Leicester is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to support students with additional needs. This permanent position offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience in education and to contribute to a positive learning environment. Ideal candidates will demonstrate patience and a commitment to helping all students thrive. The role supports ongoing professional development and career progression.

Benefits

High-quality CPD opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience or desire to work with students with additional needs.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and supporting students.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Support students with additional needs in the classroom.
• Adapt teaching programs to ensure accessibility for all students.
• Build positive relationships with students and staff.

Skills

Patience

Supportive attitude

Ability to inspire students

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire

Salary: £20,543-£20,870

Contract Type: Permanent

School: Orchard Mead Academy

Hours: 32.5 hours per week Term Time + 1 week

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: Grade 3, Points 5-6 (actual salary £20,543 - £20,870.33)

Are you considering a career as a teacher? This role is a great opportunity to gain the relevant experience and insight into the teaching profession. If successful in role, we will support you to apply for Initial Teacher Training through the Leicestershire Secondary SCITT.

We are looking to recruit a SEN specialist teaching assistant to join our passionate and progressive SEND faculty, to help make learning accessible for all students. The ideal candidate will be patient, caring and supportive while remaining resilient and will be passionate about helping students with additional needs to achieve in all aspects of learning. We want to help our students to build confidence and inspire them to reach their goals. In return we can offer you high quality CPD and opportunities to develop your skills and your career progression.

We are looking to appoint a positive and enthusiastic person to join our highly supportive and growing team, who wants to work in a school where:

• strong, positive relationships are a strength of the school;
• students are generally taught in mainstream lessons which allows them to thrive in a positive and productive learning environment;
• students of all ages and abilities readily demonstrate an eagerness to learn and make progress across the curriculum;
• outstanding behaviour is apparent throughout the school; students are polite, open and articulate, making it a pleasure to engage with them in lessons;
• professional learning is a priority and time for this is integrated into the school day;
• all students, teachers and parents share a common vision to "make a positive difference";
• work with subject teachers, SENDCO, the SEND faculty and Pastoral to contribute to curriculum planning, adapting teaching programmes where necessary to enable target students to access the curriculum.

About Us

Orchard Mead Academy is a culturally diverse comprehensive school with approximately 1200 students situated in the North East of Leicester and is part of The Mead Educational Trust (TMET). The Trust is a growing partnership of primary and secondary schools situated in the East Midlands. It provides its academies access to a world-class education network and staff with an employer providing high quality professional development. We are committed to ensuring each Academy enables every pupil to achieve the very best. We believe that together we make a positive difference.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure check.

How to apply

If you are interested in this post, please complete the application form online.

Please see the documents listed below, which may assist you in making your application:

• Applicant pack
• Job description
• Application and Recruitment Process document

Closing date: Monday 15th December 2025

Orchard Mead Academy is committed to:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Equal opportunities and equal value for staff and students, and prevention of discrimination in its many forms.

NO AGENCIES OR CVs PLEASE