Teaching Assistant with SEND Focus

North East Combined Authority; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Aim High Academy Trust is seeking a Teaching Assistant with a SEND focus to join our Sunderland school. The fixed term contract runs 39 weeks per year with 32.5 hours weekly (8:30am–3:30pm) starting January 2027.

It is linked to EHCP funding and will end when funding ceases, subject to safeguarding checks. The successful candidate will support all aspects of teaching and learning, with emphasis on ASD and SEND needs, and collaborate with colleagues.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent is required.
• Experience or focus on SEND (ASD) is preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration with colleagues would be beneficial.
• Willingness to participate in school life beyond the formal curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of teaching and learning with a focus on SEND needs.
• Collaborate with staff and communicate effectively across teams.
• Participate in school life beyond the formal curriculum.

Skills

SEND focus

Tier 2 TA qualification

Communication

Collaboration

Level 2 Teaching Assistant

Education

Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

TEACHING ASSISTANT WITH SEND FOCUS (LEVEL 2)

FIXED TERM CONTRACT

Grade 2 SCP 5-6 (£26,427 - £26,847 pro rata)

32.5 hours per week (8.30am – 3.30pm)

Term Time plus Inset Days (39 weeks)

Start Date – January 2027

The Headteacher envisages this fixed term contract to end on 31st August 2029 however it is linked to EHCP funding and if the child moves then the funding will move and therefore this contract will terminate from the date the funding ends.

The governors and Headteacher are seeking to appoint a committed, flexible and highly motivated person to be part of our school team.

You should:

• be an outstanding practitioner with high expectations for all children with a focus on SEND (ASD)
• be proficient in supporting the delivery of all aspects of teaching and learning with a specific focus on SEND needs
• be an effective communicator and keen to work in collaboration with colleagues
• be willing to be involved in the corporate life of the school, supporting the informal as well as the formal curriculum
• have a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Aim High Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Aim High Academy Trust safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in accordance with Sunderland Local Safeguarding Board Procedures. Applicants can view the Trust’s safeguarding policies via our website www.aimhighacademytrust.co.uk/policies.

Closing Date: Thursday 19th November (9.00am)

Shortlisting: Thursday 19th November (am)

Interviews: Wednesday 25th November