Teaching Assistant to support high and complex SEND needs

The Methodist Church in Britain; Swaffham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Swaffham CofE Primary Academy is hiring a Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex SEND needs in a bespoke provision and mainstream classrooms. The role emphasises language development, social and emotional support, and close collaboration with teachers.

The post is part-time, term-time plus one week, with a fixed-term contract running to August 2027. Fluent English is essential; visa sponsorship is not available, and initial training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Must be patient, adaptive and consistent in approach.
• Understanding SEND including communication, language and cognition needs.
• Awareness of social, communication and emotional challenges.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to learners’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with communication and language development.
• Assist with social, emotional and language needs.
• Work one-to-one or in small groups, adjusting to pupil needs.
• Work in bespoke provision and mainstream classrooms.
• Deliver structured activities and adapt them based on progress.
• Collaborate with class teacher to enable curriculum access.
• Promote inclusion and positive relationships with parents.
• Follow the direction of the class teacher.

Skills

Patient

Adaptive approach

Independent worker

Team player

Flexible learner

Education

Level 2/3 childcare qualification or equivalent

Job description

Teaching Assistant post at Swaffham CofE Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, on a fixed-term contract to August 2027. The work centres on supporting pupils with complex SEND needs, including communication, language and social, emotional and mental health needs, one to one or in small groups. Hours are part-time, term time plus one week, in a bespoke provision with a high adult-to-child ratio. Visa sponsorship is not available, and fluent English is essential.

What the job involves

• Support pupils with communication and language development
• Support social, emotional and language needs
• Work one to one or in small groups, adjusting to each pupil's needs, which change over time
• Work in the bespoke provision and in pupils' mainstream base classrooms
• Carry out structured, agreed learning activities and adjust them according to pupil responses
• Adapt provision with the class teacher so pupils can access the curriculum
• Support all learners to access the curriculum and make progress, under the class teacher's direction
• Promote inclusion, acceptance and constructive relationships within the classroom
• Under the class teacher's guidance, promote positive relationships with parents and carers
• Follow the direction of the class teacher

What’s required

Skills & knowledge

• Patient, understanding and adaptive approach, with a consistent manner
• Understanding of supporting pupils with communication, language, cognition and learning difficulties
• Understanding of associated social, communication and emotional challenges
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn, adapt and be flexible to meet the needs of all learners

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check, possibly with barred list
• Childcare disqualification declaration
• Fluent English, required under the Immigration Act 2016
• Satisfactory references and full safeguarding checks

Nice to have

• Experience working with pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH or global development delay
• Experience working with pupils with SEND
• Confidence and knowledge using technology to support learning
• Level 2 or 3 childcare qualification or equivalent

What’s offered

• Thrive approach
• Bespoke provision for children with complex needs
• Commitment to CPD, with opportunities across the Trust
• Collaborative working within the academy and across the DNEAT family of schools
• Enhanced SEND areas, sensory provision, soft play area and large outdoor grounds
• Friendly, committed staff team and a happy, positive working environment