Teaching Assistant

The Basildon Lower Academy; Wallsend; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Basildon Lower Academy is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support SEN pupils across our lower site. The role runs 39 weeks per year (term-time) with standard hours of 37 per week, typically 08:00–16:00 Mon-Thu and 08:00–15:30 Fri.

You will work with class teachers and pastoral staff to champion SEN learners and contribute to a supportive, progressing school environment. Opportunities for future teacher training are available for suitably qualified graduates.

Qualifications

• Have 5 GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with clear and concise communication.
• Be able to evidence the ability to work independently, show your own initiative, and be able to make decisions confidently.
• Have a patient, encouraging and resilient demeanour.
• Knowledge of SEN and previous work experience in a primary or secondary school.
• Able to use ICT effectively to support learning.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with class teachers and the pastoral team to champion SEN students.
• Support staff development and routes into teacher training for suitably qualified graduates.
• Assist with delivering learning activities and supporting pupils during lessons.

Skills

GCSEs incl English & Maths

Interpersonal skills

Independent working

Patient & resilient

Knowledge of SEN

ICT skills

Job description

Salary Range: Band 3 FTE £28,351 - £30,681. Actual starting salary £24,316 with performance based yearly increments

Working Weeks: 39 weeks (Term Time) and Parent/Open evening as required

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (08:00 -16:00 Mon/Thurs and 08:00-15:30 Fri)

Our academy operates across two sites. The Lower Academy specialises in the teaching of our Key Stage 3 students, whilst The Upper Academy specialises in teaching Key Stage 4 and 5. The appointed Teaching Assistant will begin their BA career at the Lower Academy.

Working in partnership with class teachers and the pastoral team, you will be a champion for SEN students.

We are dedicated to supporting staff to build a fulfilling career. As a new member of staff, you will be offered excellent support and development, with routes into teacher training offered to suitably qualified graduates looking to pursue a teaching career.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Have 5 GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with clear and concise communication
• Be able to evidence the ability to work independently, show your own initiative, and be able to make decisions confidently
• Have a patient, encouraging and resilient demeanour
• Knowledge of SEN and previous work experience in a primary or secondary school
• Able to use ICT effectively to support learning

Closing Date: Friday 25th September 2026

Position Available: ASAP

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or are able to fill the position faster than originally anticipated.