At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a child with ASD in a friendly primary school environment.
- Company: Gidea Park Primary, a caring and successful school community.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team, and a positive work atmosphere.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to inclusive education and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in education; experience with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 24800 £ per year.
Gidea Park Primary is a friendly, successful primary school seeking a caring and committed teaching assistant. The post is for a temporary contract of 1 year, starting 01/09/2026, 32.5 hours per week during term time. The role will primarily provide 1:1 or 2:1 support for a Year 1/Year 2 child with ASD and communication/interaction needs (currently non‑verbal). The senior management team will provide a fully supportive system.
Contract Details
- Grade: 3 Points 5 – 9
- 32.5 hours per week, term time only
- Temporary for 1 year, with possibility of becoming permanent
- Start date: 01/09/2026
Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 or 2:1 support to a child with ASD and communication needs.
- Work alongside individual children and groups in class as required.
- Support children across the primary age range (4–11 years).
- Work as part of a team to support children with specific needs.
- Provide intimate care if needed.
- Maintain high standards and contribute to a dynamic team.
- Enthuse and inspire children.
- Support continuous professional development.
Qualifications
- At least NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in education or related field.
- Experience of comparable work in a similar setting.
- Strong belief in inclusive practice and a confident ability to work as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with pupils, staff and parents.
- Experience with the Read Write Inc scheme is advantageous but not essential.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- Strong community ethos with friendly staff who work closely as a team.
- Commitment to supporting continuous professional development.
- Leadership team that values dedicated staff and supports wellbeing.
- Well-behaved children in a creative and challenging atmosphere.
- Supportive and ambitious parents and carers.
Safeguarding
Gidea Park Primary is committed to safeguarding our pupils and staff. This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosures Procedure.
Equal Opportunities
Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
Teaching Assistant (SEND) employer: Gidea Park Primary School
Contact Detail:
Gidea Park Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (SEND)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Gidea Park Primary. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their commitment to inclusive practice. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working with children with ASD. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and passion for supporting children with special needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (SEND)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially working with children with ASD or communication needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team at Gidea Park Primary.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gidea Park Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of children with ASD and communication difficulties. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting non-verbal children, as well as any relevant educational frameworks like Read Write Inc. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Caring Side
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported children in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and your ability to connect with pupils, staff, and parents. A genuine passion for helping children thrive will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since this role involves working closely with a team, demonstrate your collaborative spirit. Talk about experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team to support children or achieve common goals. Emphasising your ability to contribute positively to a dynamic team will be key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to inclusive education and how they support their teaching assistants. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. It’s a win-win!