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- Tasks: Support students with special needs in a 1:1 teaching environment.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college for young adults.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to student progress and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and experience in a specialist setting required.
The predicted salary is between 26195 - 27784 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college which is currently open to students across three sites. The college provides further educational opportunities to students aged 19-25 with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have other needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autism. We run three Pathways: Vocational, Life and Living and Engagement for Life. In January 2025 we are relocating 2 sites to our new main college building in Sunbury-on-Thames (Surrey). The Life and Living Pathway is located at the Triangle in Hounslow, Engagement for Life is located in the Oaklands school (until December 2025) and Vocational Department is located at the Staines Rugby Club (until December 2025).
We are looking to employ a 1:1 Teaching Assistant to our team. We are interested to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and have worked in a special college or specialist school before. You will have previous experience and be familiar with using Makaton signing and symbols for communication and essentially have experience of working with students with autism and complex needs. We believe that all of our students are capable of making outstanding progress and we want to appoint individuals who share our beliefs. Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the role and the skills/experience needed.
Great Oaks College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and anyone applying to work at the College is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with adult barring and references being received. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of a twenty-six working week probation period.
We value our employees and offer a supportive and engaging environment, comprehensive induction, inset and excellent continuous professional development training sessions, Teachers Pension scheme access to staff discounts, and other wellbeing benefits:
- An employee assistance programme
- Access to Private Doctors and Nurses 24/7 free of charge
Please ensure that you explain clearly in your application how you meet the person specification.
Closing Date: Monday, 10.11.2025 at 9am
Start Date: December 2025 or January 2026 depending on the compliance checks.
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Pay Scale: Inner London Pay Scale 6, point 16 to 20 £34,779 to 36,888 per annum pro rata
Actual Salary: £26,195 to £27,784 per annum, depending on the experience.
Hours of work: 31.25 hours per week (excluding 45 min breaks), 08:30 – 15:30. (Monday to Friday). Due to the college’s opening hours, we are unable to offer flexibility in the hours of work.
Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1 in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: Greatoakscollege
Contact Detail:
Greatoakscollege Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1 in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with students with autism and complex needs. We want you to showcase your experience with Makaton and how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values. Great Oaks College is all about making progress for students, so highlight your passion for helping others in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! It shows you’re serious about joining our team and gives us a clear view of your qualifications and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant 1:1 in Sunbury-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with students with complex needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially if you've worked in a specialist school or used Makaton before. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at Great Oaks College.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see how you meet the person specification without wading through too much fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greatoakscollege
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific needs of students with autism and complex needs. Brush up on Makaton signing and symbols, as this will likely come up in your interview. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in these areas will show that you’re a great fit for the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Great Oaks College is all about believing in the potential of every student. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve supported students in the past and how you’ve helped them make progress. Your enthusiasm for helping others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving students with learning difficulties. Think through some scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your approach and demonstrate your problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the college’s approach to supporting staff development or how they measure student progress. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the college’s mission.