Teaching Assistant

Summary

Harris Primary Academy Purley Way is looking for a Teaching Assistant to support individuals and groups of children, including those with SEN, on a 12-month fixed-term contract starting in September 2026. The successful candidate will be involved in first aid related matters and have a basic knowledge of SEND and learning barriers.

The salary for this role is £25,394.21 – £25,756.54 for 39 weeks per year at 37.5 hours per week.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Supervising and supporting identified children in 1:1, group or whole class situations, ensuring their safety and access to learning
• Assisting in the development of appropriate resources, schemes of work and teaching strategies
• Assisting in evaluating identified children's progress
• Providing detailed and regular feedback to teachers on children's achievement, progress and needs
• Leading small group sessions and interventions
• Attending to children's personal needs where required, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid and welfare matters
• Supporting with behaviour management
• Contributing towards a purposeful and supportive learning environment
• Undertaking structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities to ensure achievement of learning goals
• Assisting with the supervision of children out of lesson times, such as playtime and lunchtime duty
• Establishing good relationships with children, acting as a role model
• Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all children, supporting difference and ensuring that all have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Supporting children with their learning and development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, Key Stage and/or subject specific
• Encouraging children to interact with others and engage in activities
• Preparing and clearing the classroom assisting with the display of children's work
• Preparing and maintaining equipment and resources and supporting children in their use
• Undertaking record keeping
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with parents/carers
• Providing general administrative support

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualifications to degree level or equivalent
• Basic knowledge of SEND and learning barriers
• Some knowledge of strategies in working with young people with challenging behaviours
• Knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Awareness of Health and Safety issues in the workplace
• Experience of working directly with young people in an education or training environment, supporting the learning of students
• Experience of establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders at all levels
• Experience of managing and being responsible for own workload

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We invest in staff with support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to opportunities for career development and progression, we offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, a pension scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

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 and are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and mutually supportive learning and working environment.