Teaching Assistant

The Five Islands Academy; South Zeal; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday

Bank holidays

Job summary

The Five Islands Academy in the United Kingdom is seeking a Teaching Assistant to join our inclusive school community on a term-time basis, with maternity cover through 30 April 2026 and potential extension.

You will work under the SENCO and SLT, supporting children with one-to-one learning needs both in and out of the classroom, collaborating with class teachers to promote inclusion and confident progress.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Ability to work one-to-one with learners.
• Commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding.
• Flexibility to adapt to term-time patterns.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils one-to-one in and out of the classroom.
• Work with the SENCO and SLT to plan support.
• Collaborate with teachers to tailor activities.
• Help create an inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Child-centred approach

Patience and empathy

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn about SEND

Job description

Thank you for considering joining our team at Five Islands Academy. We are a through-school set in a remarkable island community, where we believe every child is capable of achieving excellence.

We take pride in being an inclusive school, where each child is supported to reach their potential. We value original thinkers who approach learning with curiosity and imagination, encouraging innovation and independent thought. Our vision is to navigate together, nurturing inquisitive, collaborative, and inventive global learners with rich knowledge and confident oracy.

In our latest Ofsted inspection (November 2023), we were rated Good in all areas, with Outstanding for Personal Development. Inspectors recognised that "pupils develop a powerful sense of community" through a curriculum and culture that "expand their horizons and help them keep their options open."

We are currently seeking a Teaching Assistant to join our team in a role that offers exceptional flexibility to suit your lifestyle. We welcome applications from candidates seeking various working patterns and are happy to discuss how we can tailor these roles to meet your availability and preferences. This is a term-time position with paid holiday and bank holiday entitlement. This is a temporary role to provide maternity cover, but there may be the opportunity to extend this beyond 30 April 2026.

Post holders will work under the supervision of the SENCO and Senior Leadership Team, supporting the needs of our school community in a collaborative and caring environment. You will work in partnership with class teachers to support children needing one-to-one learning support both in and out of the classroom setting.

About You:

You will have a child-centred approach, and will be dedicated to helping every child flourish, whatever their strengths and needs. You will be someone who can respond with patience, understanding and sensitivity to the challenges that pupils with special educational needs present, including challenging behaviour. You will be willing and keen to learn about the best ways of supporting children with a range of communication, interaction and learning needs, taking advantage of opportunities for professional development. Above all, you will contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging for children with SEND at Five Islands Academy.