Teaching Assistant

The Milton Keynes Academy; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Milton Keynes Academy in Milton Keynes is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support pupils across the school, including those with SEND, helping them access learning and build independence.

The ideal candidate will hold a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (or equivalent) and GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above), with experience of working with children and a good safeguarding understanding.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience of working with children or young people.
• An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and best practice.
• A good understanding of how young people learn and develop.
• Excellent communication, active listening and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively with students individually, in small groups and within the classroom environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• A patient, caring and empathetic approach, with a passion for supporting young people with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to inclusion, equality, safeguarding and improving outcomes for all students.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated SEND and wider school team.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils academically and personally to access learning and build independence.
• Assist in creating an inclusive learning environment for students with additional needs.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to monitor progress and maintain records as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Organisational skills

Education

A Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: The Milton Keynes Academy

Salary: £24,413 - £27,254 (FTE) £21,185 - £23,651 (Actual, Pro Rata)

Contract Type: 37 Hours (Term Time only) Monday to Thursday 8am-4pm Friday 8am - 3:30pm

Application Closing Date: 18 September 2026

About You:

You are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential and thrive in an inclusive learning environment. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you can build positive relationships with students, families and colleagues, helping to remove barriers to learning and promote confidence, independence and wellbeing.

You will be patient, caring and resilient, with the ability to remain calm and respond effectively in challenging situations. A strong team player, you are highly organised, proactive and committed to achieving the best outcomes for every student. You will share our commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusion, and take pride in making a positive difference in the lives of young people with SEND.

Whether you already have experience working as a Teaching Assistant or have worked with young people in another setting, you will bring enthusiasm, empathy and a genuine desire to support students both academically and personally

Our Ideal candidate will have:

• A Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience of working with children or young people.
• An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and best practice.
• A good understanding of how young people learn and develop.
• Excellent communication, active listening and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively with students individually, in small groups and within the classroom environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• A patient, caring and empathetic approach, with a passion for supporting young people with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to inclusion, equality, safeguarding and improving outcomes for all students.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated SEND and wider school team.

About our SEND Support Team:

The SEND Department is at the heart of MKA’s inclusive ethos, ensuring students with SEND are identified early, supported effectively, and achieve their full potential. Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, external agencies, and partner settings, we deliver high-quality, coordinated support across the Academy.

The department is led by the Director of SEND (qualified SENCO) and includes a Deputy SENDCO, Pastoral Administrator for SEND, specialist SEMH and Cognition & Learning Leads, Senior Intervention Assistants, and Teaching Assistants.

Our guiding principle is simple: “Every teacher is a teacher of SEND, and every leader is a leader of SEND.” Classroom teachers play a central role in supporting students with SEND, with targeted interventions and specialist support available for those with more complex needs.

About The Milton Keynes Academy:

At The Milton Keynes Academy, you'll be part of a vibrant, inclusive school community that places learning and student success at its heart. Our architecturally inspiring campus features outstanding facilities, including cutting-edge science labs, a spacious restaurant, and a modern gym, all designed to support both staff and students.

We pride ourselves on being a nurturing environment where students are happy to learn, and staff are supported to thrive. As part of the Creative Education Trust, we collaborate across a network of schools to share best practices and drive innovation. Staff benefit from a bespoke induction, ongoing professional development, and clear pathways for career progression.

Guided by our core values, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Equality, and Aspiration, we empower both students and staff to dream big, believe in themselves, and succeed. If you're passionate about education and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. To find out more please visit our website.

About Creative Education Trust:

Creative Education Trust is a growing network of 17 schools, educating over 13,500 children and young people across England. Since 2010, we’ve worked in partnership with communities to deliver an education that inspires ambition, promotes equity, and unlocks opportunity for every learner.

We believe every child has talent, every community has strength, and every school can be a place where excellence thrives. Our curriculum is rich, broad, and inclusive - designed to build knowledge, nurture creativity, and prepare students for the future.

We are united by a shared purpose: to transform lives through education. Our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead their own lives with confidence. Through collaboration, high expectations, and purposeful leadership, we ensure that success is both expected and achieved - together.

Visit our Trust website to explore how we support our staff and discover more about our mission, values, and opportunities.

Essential Information:

Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility.

All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview.

The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, separate Barred List Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.