SEN Teaching Assistant

Available at Ash Field Academy - 1 Permanent position available.

Approximate actual starting salary: Grade 7 Pay Point 11-14 (FTE salary £26,832 - £28,146 per annum).

Hours: 30 hours per week; 39 weeks per year (Term time only plus INSET days).

Appointment will be subject to Discovery Academy Trust pay and conditions and satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Interview date: week commencing 27th October 2025.

Why Choose Ash Field Academy?

Working at Ash Field Academy offers you the chance to be part of an exceptionally supportive environment, working with children who are eager to learn, and staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding education and support. Our pupils never fail to astound us with their exemplary behaviour, kindness, and determination. We have a strong leadership team committed to honest self-evaluation and continual improvement. They bring a wealth of skills to provide both challenge and support. At Ash Field, we are committed to professional development for all staff. We have a long history of successful involvement in ITT, ECT, and NPQ programmes across the city and region through our outreach work. Our strong induction and CPD programme positively impacts motivation and effectiveness, fostering a climate for learning that benefits both pupils and staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide specialist support to pupils with identified disabilities, SEN, sensory impairments, and complex needs to access a broad and balanced curriculum by modifying and adapting learning activities as appropriate.
• Support the special education and personal social wellbeing of pupils by adapting and differentiating activities to enable them to access the curriculum under the direction and guidance of teachers or advisory staff.
• Assess, record, and report on development, progress, and attainment using detailed specialist knowledge.
• Support parents to understand their children’s complex needs and provide sound advice regarding their child’s education.
• Provide appropriate supervision to individuals or groups in various settings, including school, pupils' home environments, or units, monitoring their conduct and behaviour.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:

• NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification (e.g., Teaching Assistant awards, English / Maths GCSE (A/C or 9-4), Level 2 Basic Skills Literacy, CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Child Care and Education).
• Experience working with children of the relevant age group.
• Knowledge and understanding of at least one area of learning (e.g., English, Maths, Science, SEN, Early Years, and KS 3 Strategy for literacy or numeracy).
• Ability to plan work and exercise initiative and independent action.
• Ability to relate well to adults and children, understanding their learning difficulties and needs.

What We Offer:

• Support for continuous professional development.
• Opportunities to visit other organisations for professional learning.
• Highly committed and motivated team.
• A role that makes a real difference while having fun.
• Free car parking (Limited spaces).
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale range.
• A defined benefit pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Employee self-service portal.
• Eyecare voucher scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Retail discounts.
• Dental support.
• Gym discount.
• Be part of a wider community within the Discovery Schools Trust.
• Excellent opportunities for personal and career development.
• Support from an established Central Services Team.

More About Discovery Schools Trust:

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note: Interviews for this position may be conducted earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly to ensure consideration and increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement:

ASH FIELD ACADEMY IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AND EXPECTS ALL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO SHARE THIS COMMITMENT. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU ARE BARRED FROM WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR VULNERABLE ADULTS. ALL POSTS ARE SUBJECT TO AN ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK.