Teaching Assistant

Outwood Grange Academies Trust; Wigan; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to work scheme

Car leasing via Synergy partnership

Job summary

Outwood Academy Hindley is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support learning and student welfare under teacher direction. The role covers 30 hours per week during term time plus one extra week, with a focus on SEND and EAL support and developing individual student plans.

The successful candidate will have Level 2 qualifications (or GCSEs) including English and Maths, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with staff to promote a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified teaching assistant with Level 2 qualifications (or GCSE equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Experience in a school environment or with children/young people is essential.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly to meet needs.

Responsibilities

• Support learning and welfare of students under the direction of a class teacher and Inclusion Coordinator.
• Assist students with special educational needs (SEND) and English as an additional language (EAL); help develop individual plans like One Page Profiles and EHCPs.
• Provide cover and assistance in intervention settings and supervise students on educational visits and in examinations.
• Maintain confidentiality and proficient use of ICT packages, including Microsoft Office.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Level 2 qualifications (GCSE equivalent) including English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role: Teaching Assistant

Academy: Outwood Academy Hindley

Start Date: As Soon As Possible

Salary (Actual Salary): £17,801.96 - £18,488.60

Working Pattern: 30 Hours Per Week, Term Time only plus 1 Week.

Outwood Academy Hindley is an 11-16 academy, based in the friendly town of Wigan in Greater Manchester, with a curriculum designed to stretch and enrich our students’ experience. The Academy became part of the Outwood Family of Schools in 2022 and as a member of the Outwood Family we believe in putting Students First, Raising Standards and Transforming Lives. We are a welcoming and supportive academy, with a relentless determination to provide the very best education for every child. We place students at the centre of everything we do, with a focus on creating a culture of success and a positive climate for learning.

We are looking to recruit individuals who have high aspirations for students, who are committed and passionate about learning and who have the skills and determination to make a significant difference to the lives of students and in sharing our single goal of ‘Students First’. As a teaching assistant you will assist and promote the learning and welfare of students by providing practical and learning support, including to those with special educational needs, under the direction of a class teacher and our Inclusion Coordinator. The right candidate will possess relevant teaching assistant qualifications, Level 2 (or GCSE equivalent) qualifications including English and Maths and will be able to work as part of a team. The right candidate will be passionate about helping some of our most vulnerable students access the curriculum and have an enjoyable educational experience. Experience of working in a school environment or working with children/young people is essential.

We offer a generous employment package with a whole host of staff benefits including a cycle to work scheme, plus a partnership with car leasing company, Synergy, with offers exclusively for Outwood colleagues.

Welcome from the Principal:

As Principal of Outwood Academy Hindley, I am excited to advertise this role in our Academy which was judged to be “Good” in all areas by Ofsted. The report recognised our “culture of care” and the welcoming environment that you would be joining if you were a member of staff here. There was also recognition of the “strong emphasis on staff development”. If you are passionate about improving your practice, you are guaranteed to be given excellent CPD opportunities.

Your personal statement should directly address your skills and experiences to date that are linked to this role as well as your vision for how you would approach the job if successful.

We place students at the centre of everything we do, with a focus on creating a culture of success, a positive climate for learning, and increased student attainment, achievement and social and emotional development.

Driving may be required within this role. The Academy benefits from being part of the Outwood Family of Schools and you will be joining a highly innovative, inspirational and successful organisation. The Trust guarantees every member of staff CPD and development opportunities and various routes for career progression.

Prospective applicants are welcome to contact us if they have any questions or would like to arrange a tour of the academy. Please contact M Haughton - [e-mail] should you wish to visit the school and have a tour of the departments to see what we have to offer.

You will be integral to the teaching cycle, implementing planned learning activities, supporting the teacher in monitoring and recording student progress, and providing constructive feedback to students. You will support students with special educational needs (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL), assisting in the development of individual plans like One Page Profiles and EHCPs.

Duties include supporting student social and emotional well-being, assisting with eating, dressing, and hygiene where required, and providing cover and assistance in intervention settings like the Bridge and PLC. You will also assist in escorting and supervising students on educational visits and invigilate formal examinations.

We require candidates with experience of working effectively either within a school environment or directly with children and young people. The role demands strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly to meet business needs. Essential skills include proficiency in using standard ICT packages, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to respect and maintain confidentiality, following general data protection regulations.

Candidates must be willing to undertake necessary training to assist students, including meeting medical or care plan agreements. Previous experience working with children with Special Needs and/or challenging behaviours is desirable.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance:

• Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.

• Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis)

• Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.