At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower students with Special Educational Needs in a vibrant classroom environment.
- Company: Join St Martin’s School, an 'Outstanding' rated special school in Derby.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health benefits while making a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes successful futures for young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a passion for supporting those with special needs.
The predicted salary is between 21280 - 21613 £ per year.
Location: St Martin’s School
Hours: 37 hours a week, 38 term time weeks + 5 INSET Days (39 weeks total)
Contract type: Fixed term for 1 year to start ASAP
We are looking for a Classroom Assistant who shares our values and has the dedication and skills to support with the provision and resourcing of learning in the classroom as well as to contribute to other areas of school life for our young people with SEND. If you are passionate about supporting and empowering students with SEND, we would love to hear from you!
St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form is an 11-19 Special School in Derby, with a mixed student profile of children and young people with a range of learning difficulties and additional complex needs; including Autism, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Emotional and Mental Health, as well as other Learning Disabilities and Difficulties.
At St Martins, our aim is to Shape Successful Futures for our students throughout their time in school – whether in the classroom or the playground, and we believe that all time spent in school is a valuable opportunity for personal development. We believe in developing our staff team to help them reach their potential, with opportunities for further development and progression available to all.
Candidates must:
- Have experience of working with young people
- Want to support students who have Special Educational Needs
- Be inspired to work towards Shaping Successful Futures for all students
The hours of work for this post are: Monday and Thursday – 8:15am-4:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday – 8:15am-4:45pm, Friday – 8:15am-2:45pm.
We encourage visits to the school prior to application. To arrange a visit, or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Victoria Theobald – victoria.theobald@stmartins.set.org. We look forward to meeting you.
All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.
Shaw Education Trust are a thriving mix of diverse and growing schools including Primary, Secondary and Special Schools all working together to improve the lives of young people in our communities. We’re a growing group of dynamically awesome academies providing education to children of all ages and abilities. Staff across our team of schools are dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be successful, whatever their starting point in life.
Our Special settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs from children with profound medical needs and life limiting conditions, those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social emotional and mental health needs that require support and understanding to help them to navigate their world.
Whether you are a teacher, a teaching assistant, a healthcare professional or work in facilities, admin or operations all our Special Schools offer you the opportunity to work within an establishment that has a ‘family’ feel that puts the children, young people and their families at the heart of what they do.
All the pupils within our Special Schools have an individualised education and are educated in small classes and groups with enhanced support to ensure that all their needs are met. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team that supports a child or young person with Special Educational Needs to reach their goals. You truly will make a difference to the life of a young person and their family.
Our schools span from Birmingham to Bury, meaning that we can support students from all walks of life, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. In doing this, we can help ensure all children are able to access a high standard of education, with all being treated equally.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Electric Car Scheme: Environmentally friendly vehicles with our electric car scheme.
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
St Martins is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures including an online checks and criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer and will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Please apply here - https://stmartinsschoolderby.schoolrecruiter.com/
The closing date for this vacancy is Friday 5 June 2026 at 09:00am. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Interviews will be held Thursday 11 June 2026.
Empowering SEN Classroom Assistant — Support & Learning employer: Derby City Council
At St Martin’s School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping successful futures for our students and staff alike. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through access to extensive training opportunities, including the National Professional Qualifications, while our generous benefits package ensures a rewarding employment experience. Located in Derby, our vibrant community of educators is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs, creating a fulfilling and family-oriented environment for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Empowering SEN Classroom Assistant — Support & Learning
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a visit to St Martin’s School. It’ll give you a feel for the environment and help you understand how you can contribute to shaping successful futures for students with SEND.
✨Tip Number 2
When you’re preparing for your interview, think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills in supporting young people. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in similar roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; show us your passion! Talk about why you’re dedicated to empowering students with SEND and how you align with our values at St Martin’s.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at St Martin’s School.
We think you need these skills to ace Empowering SEN Classroom Assistant — Support & Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with SEND shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those that demonstrate your ability to empower students with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary forms and information right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Classroom Assistant and the specific needs of students with SEND. Familiarise yourself with common challenges they face and think about how you can support them effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to empowering students with special educational needs.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting students with SEND. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and want to understand how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other staff members. Discuss any previous experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to support students, as this is crucial in a school environment.
