[261110] SEN Teaching Assistant in Plymouth

About this Role

Post: SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Courtlands School, Widey Lane, Crownhill, Plymouth, PL6 5JS

FTE Salary Range: NJC Grade D Pt 8-14; £27,709 - £30,515

Actual Salary Range: £21,659.60 - £23,852

Contract Type: Part time, term time only (39 weeks per year)

Contract Hours: 32.5 Hrs per week, Monday to Friday

At Courtlands School, we believe that great education changes lives. Our pupils arrive with a wide range of strengths, needs and experiences, and our mission is simple: to provide an ambitious, inclusive and nurturing education that prepares them for successful futures.

About the successful candidate

We are looking for candidates who have a passion and desire to accelerate the progress and raise the achievement of all our children. We are looking for people who have the following experience and qualities:

• Hold a NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or other relevant qualification




• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and Mathematics or equivalent




• Experience of working with Primary children aged 4-11 years and their families




• Experience of working with children with a range of SEND




• Treat pupils with dignity, building relationships with mutual respect




• Have an ability to work independently and use own initiative




• Be able to display effective communication skills with both children and adults




• Be eager to work collaboratively in a wider team, be adaptable and open to new ideas and practices




• Able to deal with change and unpredictability positively with a can-do attitude




• Emotionally resilient and self-aware




• Be driven by a passion and commitment to inclusive education and raising standards for all

About the School

Courtlands School is a specialist school in Plymouth serving pupils with moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs. The school has made significant improvements in recent years and is recognised for its positive relationships, strong safeguarding culture, personalised approach and commitment to preparing pupils for adulthood.

Our staff are proud of the difference they make, and our pupils benefit from a warm, welcoming environment where they feel safe, valued and listened to.

As we continue our improvement journey, our focus remains on securing excellent outcomes for every learner through high-quality teaching, meaningful inclusion and a curriculum that enables all pupils to flourish.

Why Join Us?

At Courtlands School, you will find:

• A school with a clear moral purpose and values-driven culture.




• Dedicated and skilled staff who care deeply about pupils and each other.




• Pupils who are engaging, rewarding and full of potential.




• Strong support from trust leaders and colleagues.




• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.




• The opportunity to shape inclusive practice across a specialist setting.




• The privilege of making a profound difference to the lives of children and families every day.

About the Trust

We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.

We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.

These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.

Those we recruit are able to demonstrate that theyshare our values, arehighly motivated towork with colleagues, within and beyond their school, tocontinuously develop their skills and pursue professional excellence.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd November 2026 at midnight

Interview Date: Interviews are provisionally booked for W/C 30th November 2026

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

Opportunities and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.

We're proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.