Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Villa Real School is seeking a dynamic Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 2–19 with SLD, PMLD and Autism. Join a dedicated team in a school that values an inclusive, bespoke curriculum and a supportive ethos.

The role involves working within a multi-professional team, assisting with educational programmes, and contributing to pupil progress reviews. Temporary post with term-time plus additional pay weeks, aligned to school calendars.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with pupils with high needs is desirable.
• Ability to work within a multi-professional team.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to meet the needs of pupils attending Villa Real School.
• Support teachers by carrying out educational programmes with individuals or groups.
• Contribute to assessments, reviews and discussions on pupil progress.
• Supervise and support on meal times, communication targets, moving and handling plans, and behaviour plans as directed by the teacher.
• Participate in school-based and external professional development.

Job description

Temporary from October 26 to August 27.

Villa Real School is an all age 2 to 19 years Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism.

The Governors are seeking to employ a dynamic and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to enhance the care and support in our school, who has knowledge of students with a high level of need.

A rare opportunity has arisen within our fantastic special school. We are seeking an ambitious Teaching Assistant to complement our class teams.

Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.

We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.

Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally.

Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the special candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward thinking and innovative ethos.

The role:

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to meet the needs of pupils and students attending Villa Real School.
• Behave in a professional way at all times in keeping with the vision and ethos of the school.
• Work with individuals or groups of pupils carrying out educational programmes, as directed by the teacher.
• Make contributions to assessments, reviews and discussions on pupil’s achievements and developments.
• Manage the Support Assistants (SA) on eating and feeding programmes, communication targets, moving and handling plans, medical management plans, behaviour management plans and toilet training programmes as directed by the teacher.
• During breaks, supervise pupils and direct the SA in the supervision of pupils.
• Take a full part in both school based and externally provided professional development.
• Work in any department of the school when necessary and as directed by the Senior Management Team.
• Carry out other duties or responsibilities as required by the Head Teacher which contribute to the smooth running of the classroom or the school as a whole.

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days)
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:

40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:

40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Closing date: 25th September 2026 at 9am

Interview dates: 1st & 2nd October 2026

VILLA REAL SCHOOL

VILLA REAL ROAD

CONSETT

CO. DURHAM.

DH8 6BH

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.villarealschool.co.uk