At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
- Company: Drayton Community Primary School, a warm and supportive school community.
- Benefits: Professional development, mentoring, and a positive work culture focused on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to inclusive education and pupil wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Full-time, term-time only | Required from September 2026. Fixed term for 1 year subject to review and continued funding.
Salary: Grade 4.4 (pro-rata - term time only)
Location: Drayton Community Primary School, near Abingdon, South Oxfordshire
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed individual to join our inclusive and supportive school community. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), primarily within our Enhanced Pathways provision for pupils with Communication and Language (C & L) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This role will also provide opportunities to work within mainstream classrooms, supporting children to access learning successfully and promoting inclusion across the school.
A central aspect of the role will be helping pupils from the Enhanced Pathways provision to integrate confidently into the wider school environment, while also supporting other children who may require additional support.
In September 2025, we established a nurture group provision to support children with C & L and SEMH needs. From September 2026, the provision will expand to include a second nurture group following the successful approval of our Enhanced Pathways application by Oxfordshire County Council. The provision will be overseen by the SENCo and supported through close collaboration with a range of external professionals, including the Communication and Interaction (C & I) Team, Special Schools Outreach Services, and Educational Psychologists, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to meeting pupils’ needs.
What We Offer:
- A warm, purposeful school culture with high expectations and clear routines
- Children who are enthusiastic, kind and proud of their learning
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth
- A 6-month induction programme with a mentor, as part of a structured probation period
- A coaching-based professional development model, rooted in current research
- A creative, inclusive environment where your voice is valued
What We’re Looking For:
- Passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants with experience of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including children with SEMH and Communication and Language needs.
- Kind, compassionate, and nurturing practitioners who are committed to supporting vulnerable learners and creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported.
- Experience of working with children across a range of needs and age groups, with the ability to adapt support strategies to meet individual learning and emotional needs.
- A strong commitment to improving pupil wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, and outcomes across all areas of the curriculum.
- Reflective practitioners who thrive on collaboration, value professional development, and are committed to continually improving their practice to best support children with additional needs.
- Individuals who are passionate about inclusive, holistic education and dedicated to ensuring every child is empowered to flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.
Safeguarding and Legal Requirements:
Drayton Community Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undertake all necessary safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. References will be sought on shortlisted candidates before the interview.
Nurture Group Teaching Assistant in Abingdon employer: Drayton Community Primary School
Drayton Community Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported in their professional growth. With a strong commitment to wellbeing, the school provides a structured induction programme and ongoing coaching-based development, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Located in the picturesque South Oxfordshire, the school fosters a collaborative culture that empowers educators to create a nurturing atmosphere for all learners.
Contact Details:
Drayton Community Primary School Recruitment Team
