Teaching Assistant Level 1 (SEN)

Prospere Learning Trust; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD for all roles

Bupa Health Plan

Generous Pension Contribution

26–31 days annual leave

Cyclescheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Credit Union

Flexible working options

Mental Health First Aid

Blue Light Card

bYond cashback card

Job summary

Orchard House High School, part of Prospere Learning Trust, is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant (Level 1 SEN) to support students with complex needs. The role is 35 hours per week, term-time only with 5 INSET days, and a pro-rata salary starting at £22,004 (FTE £25,583).

You will work closely with teachers to implement ILPs, support learning, and help create a safe, inclusive environment for all pupils. Pre-employment checks apply.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of child development and learning.
• Excellent communication skills and professionalism.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Support small groups and individual students with learning activities.
• Help implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Build positive relationships and promote inclusion for all pupils.
• Assist with personal care and wellbeing needs where required.
• Provide feedback to teachers and track student progress.
• Help maintain a safe, engaging learning environment.

Skills

Team player

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Commitment to learning

Education

Level 2 qualification in numeracy and literacy

Job description

We Currently have an exciting opportunity for a Teaching Assistant (Level 1 SEN) to join our fantastic team at Orchard House High School.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs? We're looking for a dedicated, compassionate individual to join our growing team at Orchard House High school. As a Teaching Assistant (Level 1 SEN) you will support our students in achieving their full potential and becoming confident, independent adults.

This is a Grade 3, permanent full-time post, working 35 hours per week, term time only, plus 5 INSET days. The pro-rata starting salary is £22,004, with a full-time equivalent of £25,583. The starting date for the role will be confirmed once pre-employment checks are complete.

You’ll work closely with teachers and specialists to support teaching and learning across the school, helping to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all pupils.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a state-of-the-art SEND school with outstanding facilities
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team
• Make a meaningful impact every day
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities
• Help shape the futures of young people with complex needs

What We're Looking For

We want someone who:

• Understands the role of a Teaching Assistant and works effectively within a team
• Has a basic knowledge of child development and learning
• Holds Level 2 qualification (or equivalent/higher) in numeracy and literacy
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills and professionalism
• Is committed to continuous learning and development

Experience supporting children or young people with complex, severe, or profound learning difficulties is highly desirable.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Support small groups and individual students with learning activities
• Help implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
• Build positive relationships and promote inclusion for all pupils
• Assist with personal care and wellbeing needs where required
• Provide feedback to teachers and track student progress
• Help maintain a safe, engaging learning environment

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 15% for support staff
• Good holidays - teachers as per School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

About Orchard House and Prospere Learning Trust

Orchard House

Orchard House is a brand new school which will be dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) from the age of 11- 19 years.

Our school is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

We aim to empower our students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.

View our prospectus here.

Prospere Learning Trust

Prospere Learning Trust is a high performing, inclusive and innovative Trust comprising of 11 schools, including 4 mainstream high schools and 7 special needs schools (both primary and secondary) with further schools anticipated across Greater Manchester.

We currently employ over 1000 staff and we believe that our staff play a vital role in achieving our vision of an exceptional education for all. We believe that great schools thrive because of the great people in them.

We are driven by our core values:

• Inclusion - we recognise people need different levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes.
• Comprehensive education - we welcome all people from our local community.
• Excellence - high standards institutionally, academically and in personal development.
• Expertise - great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in all our staff to achieve their potential.
• Collaboration - we believe we are stronger together.
• Reflection - we are underpinned by thoughtful use of relevant evidence and research.

To support our staff, we come together as a collaborative learning community, with a strong culture of professional development and mutual support.

Job Application Information

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you've lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application packs or support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or [e-mail].