At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and supervise children during lunch, ensuring a safe and engaging environment.
- Company: Join Sacred Heart RC Primary School, a thriving community focused on nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while gaining valuable experience for future teaching roles.
- Qualifications: Good English and Maths skills; experience with special educational needs is a plus.
- Other info: Applications close on 09 July 2025; DBS checks required.
The predicted salary is between 19885 - 28900 £ per year.
Teaching Assistants – Paddock School – Greater London
Salary: £22,380 per annum (Pro Rata based on 30.5 hours per week) – Inner London Job Introduction
Full time – 30.5 hours per week Part-Time hours: To be agreed
Working hours – 09:00 – 15:30, with 30-minute lunch break
Working hours include a 30-minute class meeting each week
Contract – Permanent
Term time only – 39 Weeks
Start date – As soon as possible
Paddock is a special place where we put pupil\’s interests first in everything we do. We are an Ofsted outstanding and innovative split site special school for pupils aged 4 – 19 with severe learning difficulties. Most of our children also have a diagnosis of autism.
We pride ourselves on the warm, nurturing culture of the school, and staff share a deep commitment to supporting the individual needs of our pupils. Every pupil here is known, understood and nurtured.
Our valued staff are exceptional practitioners who work as part of an extensive multi-disciplinary team of specialists to plan and deliver highly personalised learning opportunities that make learning fun, meaningful and engaging for our pupils.
Our reputation is founded on our high standards, and maintained by our caring, dedicated staff, who create a nurturing and inspirational atmosphere throughout the school. The whole team is enthusiastic and united in their desire to prepare pupils for life beyond Paddock.
To work at Paddock, where the focus is on providing outstanding support and education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism, there are several qualities and attributes that are highly valued:
- Team Player
- Compassion and Empathy
- Keen to contribute to school life
- Commitment to putting pupils first and helping them to reach their potential
- Life Long Learning
- Resilience
- Celebrate Learning
- Strong work ethic
We offer:
- Highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to employee wellbeing scheme
- School Direct routes into teaching
- Opportunities for promotion within the school
- Cycle 2 Work
- Smart Schools Benefits (which include Lifestyle Savings, Wellness support, saving scheme for everyday expenses)
We would be delighted if you joined with us on this journey. We have vacancies at our Primary School, Putney and at our Secondary School and Sixth form, Tooting. Please include your preferred School on your application form along with your preferred working pattern: Full Time or Part Time.
Please apply via the school\’s recruitment platform
https //paddockschool.face-ed.co.uk/vacancies
Closing date: 30 January 2026 (at noon)
Interview dates : To be confirmed
Paddock School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.
All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Please be advised that CVs are accepted for individuals interested in scheduling a school visit. However, to advance in the recruitment process, submission of the application form is. Please contact to arrange a suitable time and date should you wish to visit Paddock.
Primary School
St Margaret\’s Crescent
SW15 6HL
Head of School Deborah Dockery
Secondary School & Sixth Form
Broadwater Road
SW17 0DZ
Co-Heads of School Lynette Martyn & Robert Pearce
Whole School Number:
Executive Headteacher: Sarah Santos
Teaching Assistants employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with special educational needs. Research common strategies and techniques used in supporting these pupils, as this will show your commitment and understanding during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the school community by visiting the school's website and social media pages. This will help you understand their values and culture, allowing you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with early reading and phonics. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported children's learning in these areas, as this is a desirable quality for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the school's environment and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews or discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Teaching Assistant/Midday Meals Supervisor position. Highlight your relevant experience in working with children, especially those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application form to reflect your passion for working with children and your commitment to their development. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your effective communication skills and ability to support children with early reading and phonics.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention any qualifications or training you have that are relevant to the role, such as certifications in special education or child development. This will show that you are well-prepared for the challenges of the position.
Follow Submission Guidelines: Ensure you follow the application submission guidelines precisely. Complete the application form as instructed, and remember that CVs are not accepted unless part of the application form. Double-check your application for completeness before sending it to the school office.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with additional needs. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with colleagues, parents, and other professionals in the past. This will show that you can collaborate effectively within a school setting.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience working with pupils with special educational needs. If you have specific examples of how you've supported their learning or development, make sure to mention these during the interview.
✨Prepare for Professional Development Questions
Since the role requires a commitment to ongoing professional development, think about how you plan to grow in your career. Be prepared to discuss any training or courses you are interested in pursuing to enhance your skills as a Teaching Assistant.