Teaching Assistant

North East Combined Authority; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Rift House Primary School in Tees Valley is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our caring team from November 2026. The role is 32.5 hours per week, term-time only, fixed-term for one year, Band 5.

You will work across the school and in our nurture provision to support children with a range of additional needs. We value resilience, warmth and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Holds a minimum of NVQ Level 2 qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience of working with children or is keen to begin a career supporting children's learning.
• Experience of supporting children with SEND, or is willing to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
• Can build positive, trusting relationships with children and adults.
• Has high expectations for every child and believes all children can succeed.
• Is resilient, flexible and able to work across a range of classes and provisions.
• Works well as part of a supportive team and is committed to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with their learning across the school and nurture provision.
• Assist teachers in planning and delivering activities.
• Encourage inclusion and positive behaviour.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Contribute to safeguarding and appropriate checks as required.

Skills

Experience with children

Experience with SEND

Relationship-building

Teamwork

Resilience & flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Teaching Assistant required from November 2026

Band 5 – 32.5 hours per week – Term Time Only (£25,583 pro rata)

Fixed-term for one year in the first instance

At Rift House Primary School, we believe every child deserves adults who are kind, resilient and never give up on them.

We're looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our caring and hardworking team. Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, have worked with children in another setting or are at the beginning of your career, we'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about helping children thrive.

This is a varied role, working across our school and, where required, within our nurture provision to support children with a range of additional needs. Every day is different, so we're looking for someone who is adaptable, warm and able to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.

'Rift House is a very inclusive school. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and positive. The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils and staff are proud and happy to be part of the Rift House community.'

Ofsted – March 2024

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a minimum of NVQ Level 2 qualification (or equivalent).
• Has experience of working with children or is keen to begin a career supporting children's learning.
• Has experience of supporting children with SEND, or is willing to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
• Can build positive, trusting relationships with children and adults.
• Has high expectations for every child and believes all children can succeed.
• Is resilient, flexible and able to work across a range of classes and provisions.
• Works well as part of a supportive team and is committed to continuous professional development.

At Rift House, we pride ourselves on making a real difference to every child, regardless of their circumstances. We have a committed team who work hard for one another and for the children we serve. We believe that excellent relationships are at the heart of everything we do and that staff wellbeing and professional development are essential to delivering the very best education.

Rift House Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks. This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020)

Closing date: Friday 9th October

Shortlisting: w/c 12th October

Interviews: w/c 12th October