Our Teaching Assistants are at the heart of school life. You will help children and young people with complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn. No two days are quite the same, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact.
You do not need to have worked in a school or hold a Teaching Assistant qualification. Experience from care, residential support, community work or supporting a family member is just as welcome. What matters most is your approach to children, your willingness to learn and the care you bring. We would also love to hear from experienced and qualified Teaching Assistants.
You will work with children from early years to Key Stage 2 as part of a supportive class team. We provide induction, training and mentoring, and support you to work towards Teaching Assistant qualifications.
Pay
Grade E, SCP 8-11 (£24,056 - £25,238 per annum) if you hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or have equivalent experience. Grade D, SCP 6-7 (£23,307 - £23,678 per annum) if you do not. Salaries are actual, for term-time-only working, at rates from 1 April 2026. All posts also receive the Special School Allowance of £1,590 per annum (pro rata to term time only).
Full time, term time only (37 hours per week, 195 days). Fixed-term maternity cover (2 posts), 1 year. Start: November 2026, or as soon as possible.
What you will do
- Build warm, trusting and professional relationships so every child feels safe, valued and understood
- Support children to access learning, develop communication and confidence, and become as independent as possible
- Respond calmly and consistently to behaviour that may challenge, seeking to understand what children are communicating
- Support personal care, health and physical wellbeing with dignity and respect, following individual plans and training
- Work closely with the class teacher and team, sharing what you notice about children's learning, progress and wellbeing
- Help prepare and look after classrooms, outdoor areas and therapeutic spaces
- Join in with school life, including trips, activities and daily routines
What we are looking for
- Good literacy and numeracy for the role
- Experience of supporting, caring for or building positive relationships with others, from work, volunteering or personal life
- Warm, patient and emotionally resilient, able to stay calm in challenging situations
- Understanding that every child has their own strengths, needs and ways of communicating
- Willingness to learn about SEND through training
- Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3), Level 3 childcare or other relevant training
- Level 2 English and maths (GCSE 4/C or Functional Skills)
- Experience in education, care or residential settings, or supporting children with SEND
The full job description and person specification can be downloaded from this vacancy page.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share that commitment. Any offer is subject to an enhanced DBS check, right-to-work checks, satisfactory references and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer.
Additional info
If you would like more information or to arrange a visit to see our school, please email Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher (joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk) or Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader (gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk).
£1,590 per annum (pro rata to term time only)
Qualifications
GCSE grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills Level 2, in both English and Maths desirable
Grade 4 / C or above (or Functional Skills Level 2)
CPD / Training
Positive handling / de-escalation training
Experience
Working with young people with emotional and social development needs
Experience of supporting children and young people with communication needs
Experience of supporting personal care, independence and medical needs
Working with young people in an EYFS/Semi Formal approach
Working with and supporting children & young people with additional needs
Personal Attributes
Patience, empathy and resilience essential
Calm and consistent approach to behaviour essential
Effective team working and communication essential
Cedars Academy is an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, across two sites: Cedars Low Fell and Cedars High Heworth. Our staff work as one team to give every pupil the care, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for support staff and Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) for teaching staff
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Instant retail and leisure discounts through Salary Extras
- One paid Wellbeing Day each year
- Free eye test through our Specsavers corporate eyecare scheme
- Staff access to the gym facilities at High Heworth
Safeguarding
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list clearance, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training.
Equality and Disability Confident
We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality. We are a Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Cedars Academy
Gareth Kyle
recruitment@cedarstrust.org.uk
Ivy Lane
Low Fell
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE9 6QD
Key Role Information
£Grade E, SCP 8-11 (£24,056 - £25,238) with a Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent experience; Grade D, SCP 6-7 (£23,307 - £23,678) otherwise. Term time only, plus Special School Allowance
#J-18808-Ljbffr
