At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' learning and development in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery, part of the Inspiration Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, good literacy and numeracy skills, and a passion for teaching.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence in education.
The predicted salary is between 20806 - 21133 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: ÂŁ20,806 to ÂŁ21,133 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (ÂŁ24,796 - ÂŁ25,185 full time/full year equivalent)
Part Time: 35.5 hours per week over 5 days from Monday to Friday
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: May 2026
Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery is looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring Classroom Assistant to join our team, supporting pupilsâ learning and development.
What Youâll Be Doing
- Working under the instruction/guidance of teaching/senior staff.
- Undertaking care and learning programmes and activities to support individuals or groups of pupils, including more specialised support for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or EAL (English as an Additional Language).
- Performing assessments and implementing speech and language interventions.
- Enabling access to learning for pupils and assisting the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.
About You
- You will be an inspirational practitioner and committed practitioner who is ready to join an ambitious team that lives and breathes the motto, âexcellence, every child, every day.â
- Weâre looking for someone who shares this passion and will actively contribute to our schoolâs vision and values.
- The role involves supporting children in the classroom and small group interventions to support children to make accelerated progress.
- You should be able to work effectively as part of a team, following the direction of the teachers, as well as working under your own initiative.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills.
- Experience of working with or caring for children of relevant age.
- Experience of leading interventions to support learning.
- Ability to use a range of relevant technology.
- Experience supporting children with high needs SEND and behaviour needs.
- Experience supporting children with EAL.
- Experience teaching RWI phonics scheme.
- First Aid training.
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Youâll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, youâll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme.
About Us
Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich that opened in September 2016. The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted in June 2019 for overall effectiveness and has maintained success in their first ungraded inspection in April 2025. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn.
The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combining a strong academic focus with a rich programme of cultural and sporting opportunities.
Charles Darwin Primary has close links with the highly successful Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form College, ensuring a strong educational pathway from early years through to post-16 education.
Although there is no on-site parking, the school and nursery are just a short walk from Norwich Train Station, served by several bus routes, with a range of paid parking options nearby.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the countryâs leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the âPlanning your applicationâ section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Claire Thacker, PA to Principal (ClaireThacker@inspirationtrust.org).
To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form. When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 10th April 2026
Interview date: Friday 17th April 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Classroom Assistant in Norwich employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Classroom Assistant in Norwich
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery, their values, and their approach to education. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Classroom Assistant.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting children with SEND and EAL. Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and passion for helping every child succeed.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youâre tech-savvy and ready to embrace the tools we use in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Classroom Assistant in Norwich
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Classroom Assistant and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion for Education: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting pupils' learning and development. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to education and how you can contribute to our motto of âexcellence, every child, every dayâ.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any experience you have working with children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or English as an Additional Language (EAL). We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so donât hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, itâs super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
â¨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to understand Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery's vision and values. Familiarise yourself with their motto, âexcellence, every child, every day,â and think about how your own values align with this. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their mission will impress the interviewers.
â¨Showcase Your Experience with SEND and EAL
Given the focus on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), be prepared to discuss your relevant experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supported these learners in the past, including any interventions or strategies you've implemented.
â¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As a Classroom Assistant, you'll need to work closely with teachers and other staff. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively by sharing examples of past teamwork experiences. Discuss how youâve followed directions from senior staff while also taking the initiative when necessary.
â¨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific classroom situations. Think through potential scenarios involving behaviour management or supporting a child with high needs. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills during the interview.