At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding Harris Primary Academy Mayflower, dedicated to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on inclusion and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: GCSE Level qualifications and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
About Us
Harris Primary Academy Mayflower is a thriving and successful school, proudly judged Outstanding in every category by Ofsted in May 2017. Our most recent inspection in November 2024 reaffirmed this status, highlighting our commitment to excellence. Ofsted noted: “The high expectations of ‘Excellence, Every Child, Every Day’ underpin all that happens at school.”
We are a five-form entry primary academy, currently educating over 1,100 pupils from Nursery through to Year 6. As the largest primary free school in the country, our growth and success have been made possible through the support of the Harris Federation, the Department for Education, and Thurrock Council.
Our vision, “Excellence, Every Child, Every Day,” is at the heart of everything we do. Our core values — Manners, Perseverance, Responsibility, Community, and Achievement — are the foundation of our academy. These values are consistently modelled by pupils, staff, and families alike, both within and beyond the school gates. They shape our culture and contribute to the exceptional outcomes our children achieve year after year.
Summary
We are currently looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to support children with SEND. The actual salary for this role will be £24, hours per week, 38 weeks per year. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract from September 2026.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Attending to the child's personal needs and implementing related personal programmes, including social, health, physical hygiene and welfare matters.
- Working with the class teacher and Inclusion Manager to support the implementation of person centred planning and targets for SEND children.
- Liaising with appropriate external SEND or health professionals to ensure that advice on provision for individual SEND children is effectively implemented.
- Supervising and supporting SEND children ensuring their safety and access to learning.
- Establishing good relationships with all children, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
- Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all children.
As part of making reasonable adjustments, it will sometimes be necessary to direct LSAs to support children's intimate care needs in line with the academy Intimate Care Policy and to maintain their health, safety and personal dignity.
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Qualifications to GCSE Level standard or equivalent.
- Knowledge and understanding of pupils with social and emotional difficulties that may impact upon their behaviour.
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of Microsoft software.
- Some knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Chelmsford employer: HARRIS PRIMARY ACADEMY MAYFLOWER
Harris Primary Academy Mayflower is an outstanding employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, we offer extensive training programmes and career progression opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus and a Wellbeing Cash Plan. Our commitment to inclusivity and the welfare of our staff and students makes us a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
HARRIS PRIMARY ACADEMY MAYFLOWER Recruitment Team
