Teaching Assistant (ARB)

Cornwall Council; Penryn; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Penryn Primary Academy is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant for our Area Resource Base (ARB). The role supports 17 children aged 4–11 with severe and complex needs in a specialised learning hub.

You will deliver bespoke activities, use PECS/Makaton/AAC to aid communication, and assist with personal care and sensory regulation, all within a supportive school community. This fixed-term post is 30 hours/week, term-time plus INSET days, until 31 August 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience with ASD or complex needs.
• Knowledge of Makaton.
• Understanding of sensory needs.
• First Aid or Manual Handling training.

Responsibilities

• Deliver bespoke learning activities designed by the Class Teacher to meet EHCPs.
• Utilise PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices to give non-verbal learners a voice.
• Assist with physical needs, mobility, and personal care with dignity and respect.
• Create a calm environment and manage sensory processing needs or complex behaviours.

Skills

Patience

Calm under pressure

Can-do attitude

Tools

PECS

Makaton

AAC devices

Job description

Penryn Primary Academy is looking for a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our Area Resource Base (ARB). This isn't just a classroom; it’s a specialised hub of learning and personalised support for 17 incredible children aged 4–11.

Working in the ARB requires a special kind of person. Our pupils face significant challenges, including Severe and Complex Learning Needs, ASD, Speech and Language difficulties, Physical Disabilities, and Global Developmental Delay.

The position is for 30 hours per week, fixed term until 31st August 2027, term time plus 2 INSET days.

As a TA here, you won't just be "helping out"—you will be the bridge between a child and their world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Tailored Support: Delivering bespoke learning activities designed by the Class Teacher to meet individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Communication Advocacy: Utilising tools like PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices to give our non-verbal learners a voice.
• Personal Care & Wellbeing: Assisting with physical needs, mobility, and personal care with dignity and respect.
• Sensory Regulation: Creating a calm, safe environment and managing sensory processing needs or complex behaviours with patience.

About You:

We aren't necessarily looking for a "perfect" application; we are looking for the right heart and mindset.

What you'll need - unwavering patience and a sense of humour, the ability to stay calm under pressure, a 'can-do' attitude towards personal care and a genuine belief that every child can thrive.

What we'd love (but can train) - experience with ASD or complex needs, knowledge of Makaton, understanding of sensory needs, First Aid or Manual Handling training

Why Join Our ARB?

Our unit is a tight-knit community within the wider school. We offer:

A Supportive Family: You’ll work alongside specialist teachers, therapists, and fellow TAs who have your back.

Professional Growth: Access to high-quality training in SEN strategies, safeguarding, and specialised communication.

The "Spark" Moments: There is nothing quite like the feeling of a child making eye contact, using a new sign, or mastering a skill for the first time.

"In the ARB, we don't measure progress in miles; we measure it in miracles. If you want a job that truly matters, you've found it."

We are committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will be assessed against the Childcare Disqualification Regulations.

This is not a Cornwall Council vacancy therefore please contact the organisation direct for further information.

• Advertised Salary Range Level 2A-2B Actual Annual Salary Range £16,944-£17,135 (FTE £24,765 - £25,044)