Teaching Assistant (Specialist Support Unit)

Gorseland Primary School; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Gorseland Primary School in Ipswich is seeking a Grade 3 Teaching Assistant within the Specialist Support Unit (SSU). The role supports teachers and learners, including children with SEND, across a range of units. The post is permanent, starting 1 December 2026 or earlier, with pro rata salary and term-time weeks.

The team values collaboration, safeguarding, and ongoing CPD to enhance provision for children with SEN. The school is committed to promoting welfare and safeguarding in recruitment.

Qualifications

• Experience of SEN/ SEND needs including autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
• Ability to work as part of a team with a range of stakeholders.
• Flexible, enthusiastic and committed to working with children with SEN.

Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher with children’s learning and classroom management.
• Work with groups or individuals under the direction of the class teacher.
• Report back to the class teacher on progress and learning outcomes.
• Support children who are dysregulated and promote positive behaviour.
• Liaise with different stakeholders and attend CPD on SEND.
• Help children develop social skills throughout the day, including playtime and lunchtime.

Skills

SEND experience

Team player

Patience

Education

GCSE English and Maths A-C

Job description

• Gorseland Primary School
• Address: Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3QR
• Salary: £26,402 - £28,142 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours:32.5 hours per week (8.30 am - 3.30 pm, Monday – Friday), 38 weeks per year.
• Contract: Permanent, from 1 December 2026 or before
• Reference: 5661

Gorseland Primary School are seeking to appoint a Grade 3 Teaching Assistant within the Specialist Support Unit (SSU).

Our Specialist Unit consists of:

• Reception and Key Stage One Specialist Unit
• Key Stage Two Cognition and Learning Unit

The children are grouped into class bases according to their age and development and not just their age.

The role will involve, but not be limited to:

• supporting the class teacher with the children’s’ learning and smooth running of the classroom
• working with groups of children or individuals under the direction of the class teacher
• reporting back to the class teacher on how well the children have made progress
• supporting children who are dysregulated
• liaising with different stake holders
• attending CPD to further knowledge in SEND and how children learn
• helping the children to learn social skills throughout the day, including playtime and lunchtime.

We need to recruit a Teaching Assistant who:

• has knowledge and experience of SEND, including autism, ADHD, communication difficulties and global developmental delay
• has the ability to work as part of a team, with a range of stakeholders
• is flexible, enthusiastic, skilled and committed to working with children with SEN demonstrating kindness and patience
• has proven ability to skilfully facilitate positive behaviour
• GCSE Grades A-C in English and maths or equivalent
• considerable expertise or specialism in assisting the progress of children with Special Educational Needs.

For more information

Gorseland Primary School is in the Kesgrave / Martlesham area. Please look at our website where you can find out more about the school.

Closing date:

9 am, 4 November 2026.

Gorseland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For more information, please download our Safeguarding Policy (pdf).