At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in lessons and monitor their progress in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Forest Farm School, a small independent school focused on nature-based education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential extra income from holiday club, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND/SEMH and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 24000 € per year.
HOURS: Full Time: Senior: 8.30 - 4.30 Monday to Friday - Term time only. Part time positions can be discussed.
START DATE: 3 September 2026
LOCATION: Forest Farm School, Oxford Millwood Schools, Elsfield, OX3 9UW. The school is on an erratic bus route therefore a car - or bike - are essential.
SALARY: £22,000 - £24,000 - dependent upon experience. Further income can be earned by working in our Create Holiday Club.
RESPONSIBLE TO: SENDCO/Principal
Set within 15 acres of rural grounds, OMS offers an enriching outdoor learning environment. The school embraces a strong focus on nature-based education, including Forest School activities and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award. As a small independent school, it provides small class sizes, allowing for personalised teaching and high levels of pastoral care. The school supports pupils of mixed abilities, creating an inclusive and nurturing learning community.
JOB PURPOSE: The main objectives to be achieved by the candidate:
- Under the general supervision and direction of the SENDCO and class teachers, to support individual pupils in their lessons.
- To monitor pupil’s progress and provide feedback to the SENDCO and class teacher and establish supportive and constructive relationships.
Essential criteria for the candidate:
- Experience of supporting pupils with SEND/SEMH
- Ability to operate at a level of understanding and competence equivalent to NVQ Level 3 standard
- Ability to relate well to children
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to supervise and assist pupils
- Time management skills
- Organisational skills
- Knowledge of classroom roles and responsibilities
- Knowledge of the concept of confidentiality
- Good numeracy and literacy skills
- Ability to make effective use of ICT
- Flexible attitude to work
- Commitment to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people.
Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks.
Teaching Assistant employer: Blenheim Schools
At Forest Farm School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of our staff. With a strong emphasis on nature-based education and small class sizes, our Teaching Assistants benefit from personalised training opportunities and a collaborative culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Located in the picturesque Oxford countryside, our school not only provides a unique outdoor learning experience for students but also encourages staff to engage in enriching activities, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to SEND and nature-based education. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's answering common interview questions or discussing your experience with SEND, being clear and confident is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see how you can support pupils with SEND/SEMH and contribute to our nurturing environment.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and working with children shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about nature-based learning and creating supportive relationships with pupils.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team at Forest Farm School.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blenheim Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant, especially in a SEND environment. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEND/SEMH and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning journey. Share examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past, particularly in nurturing environments like Forest School activities.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask about the school’s approach to education and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and other staff, be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills. Share specific instances where you collaborated effectively to support students or improve classroom dynamics.
