Teaching Assistant Level 2

Bolton Council; Bolton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary school in Northern Ireland is looking for a Teaching Assistant to support children with special educational needs. The role requires enthusiasm, experience, and a willingness to learn. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of teaching staff to provide inclusive education. Starting salary ranges from £19,263 to £20,859 plus allowance, with a fixed-term contract until August 2026. This position offers the opportunity to contribute positively to children's educational experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with PMLD and SLD is an advantage.
• Not essential to have formal teaching assistant qualification.
• Must be committed to safeguarding and care of children.

Responsibilities

• Support children with a range of learning difficulties.
• Promote positive attitudes to learning.
• Work collaboratively with staff and agencies.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Warm and friendly

Experience with SEND

Positive attitude

Ability to inspire children

High expectations of behaviour

Professional manner

Education

Good academic background

Job description

At our school it is a non-negotiable that each child has an adult who is their champion. We will make sure that all of our children know that we believe in their ability to succeed. We provide support so that every child finds joy in working together to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead them to being the best version of themselves.

Job Overview

The Governors of Queensbridge Primary School are looking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Teaching Assistant to work with children who have a recognised special educational need, under the direction/supervision of teaching staff. Applicants are required to be enthusiastic, warm and friendly, and experienced in supporting children with a range of learning difficulties. Experience of supporting pupils with a range of learning difficulties including profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) would be an advantage. A teaching assistant qualification is not essential for a candidate with a good academic background and a willingness to learn. The job will include a contribution to the delivery of a differentiated curriculum enabling meaningful inclusion and access to learning for these pupils.

Responsibilities

• Enjoy working with children.
• Have the skills and knowledge to support all children within our school.
• Have experience supporting children with SEND and be prepared to undertake further training as necessary to complete the role to the required standard.
• Use effective strategies to promote positive attitudes to learning.
• Work well with other staff and agencies.
• Be motivated, have a positive attitude and enjoy a challenge.
• Have the ability to inspire children and provide high quality learning experiences.
• Have very high expectations of children s attainment and behaviour.
• Behave in a professional manner within a team environment.
• Have the ability to work positively with children, parents and other stakeholders.
• Have a high personal level of mathematics, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Be supportive of the inclusive ethos of the school.
• Be patient, caring and understand the individual needs of the child.
• Develop their own knowledge and skills within the primary setting.
• Be committed to the safeguarding and care of children in our school.

Salary, Hours & Term Details

Actual Salary: 19,263 - 20,859 plus SEN allowance of 1,140 p.a.

Hours: 32.50 hours per week Term Time plus 2 days

Working hours: 8.30am 3.30pm daily with 30 minutes lunch (start and finish times may change slightly to fit the needs of the school but the total hours is unchanged)

Contract type: Fixed Term until 31.08.2026 but the post could be made permanent for the right candidate.

Closing date: 12 noon Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Shortlisting: Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Interviews: Monday 8th December, 2025

To commence 5th January 2026 or as soon as possible.

For many years the school also had a Resource Unit that typically educated and cared for 8 children with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)/severe learning difficulties (SLD). In 2024-25 the school had an extension to this unit so that the provision could be given to an additional 8 children. The Unit was renamed The Hive and in the current academic year has been reclassified, by the Local Authority as a Special Unit rather than a resource provision.

There are currently 45 staff members, Team Queen. The team is dedicated to providing the best education, environment and role models for our children. We aim to provide a safe and happy space in which to learn and work. In previous years the following work has been undertaken:

• Improve the curriculum and ensure consistency across the school, introducing new ways of monitoring and identifying children who need additional support.
• Provide a robust nursery education to give children the best start possible. This includes Nursery Starting Point 0-3 checkpoints.
• Developed a staff handbook for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Developed a school curriculum for the children in The Hive.
• Worked to identify children who are struggling but have not been identified as SEND to understand the reasons why these children are not progressing and implement strategies to support them. (The tough 20%)
• Introduced behaviour standards and expectations.
• On the pathway to becoming a Nurture School.
• Introduced a school council so that pupils have a voice.
• Introduced clubs to broaden the children s experience.
• Introduced procedures for monitoring and awarding children for attendance at school.
• Celebrate the children s successes.
• Rejuvenate the library.
• Where possible include our Hive children in whole school activities.
• Developed the Forest School and outside area which support the current curriculum and address some of the issues of climate change.

The school understands the value that parents can bring to the school. Parents are encouraged to give their feedback and an annual parents survey is undertaken. The school has also introduced support workshops for parents who recognise and want support. If you meet the person specification, and want to be part of something really special, please feel free to contact our friendly staff team. Our Headteacher will be excited to learn all about you and the talents you may bring.

About You: The successful candidate will