Teaching Assistant (Full Time)

Spacehouse Limited; North East; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Villa Real School, part of Durham County Council, is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 2–19 with SLD, PMLD and Autism. The role emphasizes a bespoke curriculum, a caring environment and collaboration with a multi-professional team to meet complex needs.

The post is full-time and temporary (Oct 26–Aug 27). Closing date 25 September 2026. Salary £26,427 pro rata. DBS Enhanced Disclosure required and a commitment to safeguarding pupils.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with high needs in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to meet the needs of pupils attending Villa Real School.
• Support individuals or groups of pupils with educational programmes as directed by the teacher.
• Contribute to assessments, reviews and discussions on pupil progress.
• Manage support staff on eating/feeding, communication targets, moving and handling, medical/behaviour plans, and toilet training as directed by the teacher.
• Supervise pupils during breaks and participate in professional development.

Job description

Jobs

Teaching Assistant

More Information

Salary

£26,427 pro rata

Expires

25/09/2026

Location

Consett, Durham

Job Type

Full Time

Temporary from October 26 to August 27.

Villa Real School is an all age 2 to 19 years Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism.

The Governors are seeking to employ a dynamic and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to enhance the care and support in our school, who has knowledge of students with a high level of need.

A rare opportunity has arisen within our fantastic special school. We are seeking an ambitious Teaching Assistant to complement our class teams.

Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.

We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.

Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally.

Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the special candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward thinking and innovative ethos.

• Work as part of a multi-professional team to meet the needs of pupils and students attending Villa Real School.
• Behave in a professional way at all times in keeping with the vision and ethos of the school.
• Work with individuals or groups of pupils carrying out educational programmes, as directed by the teacher.
• Make contributions to assessments, reviews and discussions on pupil’s achievements and developments.
• Manage the Support Assistants (SA) on eating and feeding programmes, communication targets, moving and handling plans, medical management plans, behaviour management plans and toilet training programmes as directed by the teacher.
• During breaks, supervise pupils and direct the SA in the supervision of pupils.
• Take a full part in both school based and externally provided professional development.
• Work in any department of the school when necessary and as directed by the Senior Management Team.
• Carry out other duties or responsibilities as required by the Head Teacher which contribute to the smooth running of the classroom or the school as a whole.

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Closing date: 25th September 2026 at 9am
Interview dates: 1st & 2nd October 2026

VILLA REAL SCHOOL
VILLA REAL ROAD
CONSETT
CO. DURHAM.
DH8 6BH

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.villarealschool.co.uk

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £26,427 pro rata

Location: Consett, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant