At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs and help them thrive in their learning.
- Company: The Dean Academy, a vibrant school in the beautiful Forest of Dean.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and be part of a transformative community.
- Qualifications: Passion for inclusive education and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a supportive environment focused on student success.
The predicted salary is between 17088 - 17637 £ per year.
Permanent position, 28 hours and 25 minutes per week, term time only including inset days.
Point 8 £25,989 - £26,824 (FTE) £17,087.74 - £17,636.75 actual.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
The Dean Academy requires a Teaching Assistant to join our successful SEND team working to support students with special educational needs.
The successful candidate will:
- Have a good knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities, ideally with experience of secondary age students.
- Experience of working with students with Cognition and Learning and Communication and Interaction needs is desirable but not required.
- Have a commitment to, and passion for, inclusive practice across the curriculum.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with our young people in an engaging way to maximise their learning and champion their progress.
- Have the ability to empathise but move students forward.
- Be highly organised and adaptable, with an enthusiastic and positive approach.
- Have the desire to learn new skills and be ambitious for their own professional and career development.
At The Dean Academy we offer a broad and challenging curriculum to enable all students to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of the world around them. We are proud of our inclusive approach, which is informed by the principle that a stimulating and personalised education is an entitlement for every child.
The Dean Academy is an 11-16 school with approximately 820 students on roll in Lydney, in the beautiful Forest of Dean. As a small, local and fully comprehensive school, The Dean Academy is part of the highly successful Athelstan Trust. We are a school who have been on an incredible journey of rapid improvement and were judged as “good in all areas” in September 2021.
The successful candidate will share the drive and ambition of our dedicated staff in continuing this community of transformation and will be keen to deliver exceptional education in a “school where students thrive” (Ofsted, 2021).
The Athelstan Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check along with standard pre-employment safeguarding checks. As the role includes working with children, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must, therefore, disclose all spent and unspent convictions.
References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview.
We are a flexible working employer, and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us.
Closing Date: Monday 23rd February 2026, 12 Noon. Interview date to be confirmed. Applications will be considered as they are received; we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.
Teaching Assistant in Lydney employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Lydney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Dean Academy and its values. Understanding their commitment to inclusive education will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Teaching Assistant, you'll need to engage with students effectively. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for learning! Be ready to discuss how you plan to develop your skills further. Mention any courses or workshops you're interested in, as this shows your ambition and commitment to professional growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Lydney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to inclusive practice and how you can make a difference in their learning journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if you've worked with secondary age students or have knowledge of cognition and learning needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at The Dean Academy.
Be Personable: Use a friendly tone in your application. We’re looking for someone who can engage with our young people, so show us your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively. A personal touch goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details promptly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Dean Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by secondary age students, especially those with cognition and learning or communication needs. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to support the students effectively.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
During the interview, express your commitment to inclusive practice. Share examples from your past experiences where you've championed inclusivity in education. This will resonate well with the school's ethos and demonstrate that you align with their values.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
Your interpersonal skills are key! Practice how you can communicate engagingly with young people. Think about how you can make learning fun and accessible for all students, and be ready to share specific strategies or activities you would use.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
The role requires a highly organised and adaptable individual. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed changing situations in the past. Highlight your ability to learn new skills quickly and your ambition for professional development, as this will show you're ready to grow with the school.