At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in their learning and manage behaviour in the classroom.
- Company: Wicklea Academy is a caring junior school in Bristol focused on student potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive community; job share and flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to ongoing professional development required.
The predicted salary is between 16179 - 17441 € per year.
Actual Annual Salary: £24,711 - £26,640 (Based on hours and working weeks)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only (plus INSET days)
Provisional Start Date: October 2025
Your opportunity to support students in overcoming barriers to learning and achieving their full potential.
We are looking for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant with a specialism in SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and/or Communication & Interaction to join our dedicated team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people by helping them access learning, develop resilience, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Working under the guidance of the SENCO and teaching staff, you will support students in class and deliver targeted 1:1 and small group therapeutic interventions, provide emotional and social support, and help create a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment. You will be a key part of our SEND provision, supporting students with a range of needs including SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
About you:
You will:
- Have experience or a strong interest in supporting students with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and/or Communication & Interaction needs.
- Have qualifications or training in SEMH therapeutic interventions
- Be trained in or willing to train to deliver ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant).
- Be trained in or willing to train in delivering Social Skills support for children with Autism.
- Understand the importance of emotional wellbeing in learning and be able to build positive, trusting relationships with students.
- Be confident in delivering small group or 1:1 interventions and supporting students in class.
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to show empathy, patience and active listening.
- Be committed to ongoing professional development, including relevant qualifications such as NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
- Be a team player who is flexible, proactive and passionate about making a difference.
- Have a good understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management, and inclusive practice.
- Be confident using IT systems to support learning and track progress.
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
About John Cabot Academy:
John Cabot Academy is an 11-16 academy in South Gloucestershire, close to the border of Bristol. We share our site and staffing with the CLF Post-16 provision, forming an 11-18 academy, which has earned a strong reputation both locally and regionally.
We want our students to thrive academically; flourish and grow as young people. When they leave us, they will have a strong sense of self, their place in the world and the agency to fulfil their potential. To fulfil this ambition, our staff are inspired by learning and create a school where students are engaged, challenged and inspired.
We have a supportive and compassionate culture in which the whole person is nurtured, and the voice of students is valued. We celebrate the diversity of the members our community by enabling them to learn from each other, by encouraging them to respect each other’s differences, and by providing opportunities to contribute to academy life and the wider community.
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 35 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters. Over 59% of the students who attend John Cabot Academy are from global majority groups, so we particularly encourage applicants from those groups in order to represent the students we serve, as well as wider underrepresented groups including gender, transgender, age disability, sexual orientation or religion.
We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Generous annual leave.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!
Recruitment timeline:
- Closing Date: 07 September 2025
- Shortlisting: 08 September 2025
- Interviews: 18 September 2025
We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.
As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.
Skilled Worker visas cannot be sponsored through this role, as it does not meet the requirements set out by government.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.
The Cabot Learning Federation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role has significant responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice within the academy. This role involves working with children on a daily basis and is therefore in regulated activity.
The successful applicant will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, right to work in the UK and a child disqualification check. The checks will also include an enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list.
#J-18808-LjbffrLevel 2 Teaching Assistant in Bristol employer: Digitech Studio School
Wicklea Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Brislington, Bristol. With access to generous benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, wellness support, and opportunities for career progression through training and development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. The academy's commitment to diversity and equal opportunity ensures that all staff feel valued and can thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 2 Teaching Assistant in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEND. Research common strategies and techniques that Teaching Assistants use to support these students effectively, as this will demonstrate your commitment and understanding during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the school community by visiting Wicklea Academy or similar schools. This will give you insight into their teaching methods and culture, allowing you to tailor your approach and show genuine interest in their environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Teaching Assistants to gain insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable tips on what the role entails and what qualities the school values most in candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle specific classroom scenarios. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with children or managed behaviour, as this will help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Level 2 Teaching Assistant in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements of a Level 2 Teaching Assistant, especially regarding supporting children with SEND.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage students and manage behaviour effectively.
Show Your Passion:In your application, express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their learning and development. Mention any relevant qualifications or training you are willing to undertake to enhance your skills.
Follow Application Instructions:Ensure you complete the application form as instructed, providing a full education and employment history. Avoid submitting a CV, as it will not be accepted. Double-check for any specific documents or information required before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digitech Studio School
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with students in the past, especially those with special educational needs (SEND).
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
Highlight your ability to connect with students and manage behaviour effectively. Be prepared to discuss techniques you’ve used to build rapport and foster a positive learning environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific classroom situations. Think about your approach to engaging students one-on-one or in small groups, and be ready to share relevant experiences.
✨Research Wicklea Academy and CLF
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Wicklea Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate your commitment to their community.
