Teaching Assistant

Abbey School; Wrecclesham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational institution in Wrecclesham is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students with learning and additional needs. The role involves working under the direction of a teacher and includes responsibilities such as supporting whole-class and individual learning. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, flexibility, and a supportive attitude. The position is term-time only, full-time at 30.25 hours per week. This role offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration across various educational settings.

Benefits

Westfield Health Cash Plan

CPD opportunities

Modern classroom facilities

On-site car parking

Qualifications

• Suitable to work with children.
• Good understanding of how children learn.
• Friendly, caring, and calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of quality learning and teaching.
• Work with children with significant SEND.
• Encourage participation and independence in learning.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Organizational skills

Patience

Team player

Job description

We are a special school for secondary pupils from years 7 to 11 who have learning and additional needs. We require a Teaching Assistant to work term time only 30.25 hours per week (8.50am to 3.20pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 8.35am to 3.20pm on Wednesday). You would be working under the direction of a teacher, supporting whole‑class learning, small groups, or on a 1:1 basis. The Abbey School converted to Academy status on 1 September 2018 and is part of the Weydon Multi‑Academy Trust (WMAT). We were graded Outstanding by OFSTED in 2009, 2012, 2016 and December 2022.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of teaching staff/senior managers to support the delivery of quality learning and teaching for pupils with special educational needs.
• Work with children and young people who have a range of significant and often complex SEND, for example those with autism, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, speech–language and communication needs, and those who exhibit challenging behaviour.
• Undertake specified work with individuals, groups and whole classes under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher.
• Encourage the participation of pupils in the social and academic processes of the school, and enable pupils to become more independent learners.
• Undertake work/care/support programmes to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

Benefits

• Westfield Health Cash Plan – reimbursement towards the cost of dental, opticians, physiotherapy and other medical appointments. Your dependants are included at no extra cost to you.
• External leadership/NPQ opportunities, including supporting master’s applications and aspiring senior leaders’ development programme.
• Opportunities to collaborate across a range of mainstream and specialist provision schools within the Weydon MAT.
• A well‑equipped and modern English classroom.
• Excellent IT facilities in a modern school fit for 21st‑century teaching.
• A range of CPD opportunities to support professional development both inside and outside the classroom.
• A range of evidence‑informed strategies to support teaching and learning inside the classroom.
• On‑site car parking.
• A consistent approach to behaviour which ensures learning is not disrupted.

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

• Suitable to work with children.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, staff and parents/carers.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to both work and to the behaviours of students.
• Good understanding of how children learn.
• Good organisational skills.
• Friendly, caring, patient, fair and consistent.
• Calm under pressure.
• Willing to go the extra mile.
• Enthusiastic with a positive attitude.
• Supportive member of school activities.
• Keenness to build on skills and be prepared to learn.
• Accurate in all record keeping.
• Team player.
• Sense of humour.
• Flexibility.
• Good time keeper.

Working Hours & Vacancy Type

Vacancy Type: Term time only, full time 30.25 hours per week, spread over 5 days: 8.50am–3.20pm Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri and 8.35am–3.20pm Wed.