At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students 1:1, enhancing their learning and independence in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Lift Meadstead Primary, a diverse and inclusive school community in Barnsley.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, well-being cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and development opportunities available to help you thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent; passion for supporting SEN students.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Salary: NJC 7-10 (£26,403 - £27,694 FTE) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 17.5 - 38.4 weeks per year
Contract: Fixed term until Aug 2027
Start date: September 2026
Closing date: 6th July 2026
Interview date: 10th July 2026
Are you passionate about education and looking for a fulfilling career? We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant (SEN) to join our community focused and supportive team at Lift Meadstead Primary, in Barnsley, on a fixed term basis.
You're someone who'll be able to:
- Improve the learning and attainment of students while also promoting their independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.
- Supervise classroom activities and play.
- Support and lead on SEN interventions and 1:1 support.
- Support students so that they can access the curriculum, participate in learning and experience a sense of achievement.
- Be a compassionate, warm and friendly face to children and parents.
You're someone who has:
- Motivation passion for supporting young people including those with SEN.
- Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assisting or equivalent essential.
- Understanding of children's SEN learning needs including regulations strategies and trauma informed strategies and interventions.
- Phonic understanding.
- The skills to help children to develop independent learning skills.
- Ability to deliver individual and small group targeted interventions.
We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, as a Level 3 TA we require a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don't yet hold this qualification but you do have the relevant experience and hold a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, don't worry! We'll invest in your development by enrolling you in our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the behaviours, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.
About the school: Lift Meadstead is a proud and ambitious school serving a diverse community in Barnsley. We're dedicated to creating an inspiring, inclusive learning environment where children thrive emotionally, socially and academically. We have a strong EYFS and SEND offer and are committed to ensuring every child is ready to flourish across all levels of the school and beyond. Our team is close-knit, committed and passionate about improving lives through education. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people.
Who is Lift Schools? We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
Your career elevated: At Lift Schools we are committed to your professional growth, development, and wellbeing. Enjoy:
- Comprehensive Training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous Benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Teaching Assistant in Ardsley employer: Lift Meadstead
At Lift Meadstead Primary, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and a range of generous benefits, including a well-being cash plan and pension scheme. Join our passionate team in Barnsley, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying lifestyle perks and a close-knit community culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Ardsley
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and social media groups focused on digital learning and education like EdTech and instructional design. Not only can you learn a lot from others’ experiences, but you can also showcase your passion and make connections that might lead to opportunities at companies like Lift Meadstead.
✨Attend Workshops and Conferences
Look out for events or workshops related to digital learning — places where educators and tech innovators gather. These are golden opportunities to network, gather insights, and even get noticed by hiring managers. Plus, it’s a chance to learn new skills that you can show off in your application for the trainee role!
✨Show Off Your Skills in the Real World
If you’ve got any projects or case studies related to digital learning, don’t keep them hidden! Create a portfolio or even a blog where you discuss your learnings and share your insights. This will give us at Lift Meadstead a peek at your creativity and dedication when considering you for the trainee position.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're still in uni or just graduated, check out your university's career services. They often have exclusive internships or placements with companies like Lift Meadstead. They can help connect you with opportunities that might not be on the broader job market yet.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Ardsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion for Education Technology:When you're applying for a trainee role in digital learning and education, we want to see your enthusiasm! Include any relevant coursework, volunteer experiences, or side projects that highlight your interest and commitment to enhancing education through technology. This could be anything from developing a learning app to participating in online educational forums.
Tailor Your CV for the Digital Learning World:Make sure your CV stands out by showcasing any skills that relate directly to digital learning. Are you familiar with e-learning platforms? Have you created educational content or taught online? These are golden nuggets we’re looking for, so don’t shy away from diving into those experiences. Also, mentioning any relevant digital certifications or courses can give us an extra boost of confidence in your potential!
Craft a Cover Letter That Reflects Your Learning Journey:In your cover letter, focus on your desire to grow and learn in this exciting field. Share why a trainee role at Lift Meadstead excites you and how it fits into your future goals. Let us know why you're eager to dive into the world of digital learning and education and what specific skills you hope to develop.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since digital learning often involves teamwork, make sure to highlight any collaborative projects or experiences you've had. Whether it was group assignments at university or participation in online learning communities, showcasing your ability to work well with others in a digital context can really make a difference. We're all about building a supportive learning environment here at Lift Meadstead!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Meadstead
✨Show Your Passion for Digital Learning
When discussing your interest in the digital-learning-education field, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or experiences you've had, whether that’s creating online resources, volunteering in educational tech, or even personal projects. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into various digital learning tools and platforms, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) or educational software. Familiarise yourself with the key features of these tools beforehand, so you can confidently discuss how you've used them or how you would in your trainee role with Lift Meadstead.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As this is a trainee position, highlight your eagerness to absorb knowledge and grow within the role. Talk about specific skills you’re hoping to develop, whether that's mastering new educational technologies or improving your instructional design capabilities. This helps us see you as a long-term asset!
✨Bring a Portfolio of Ideas
Although it’s a trainee role, consider putting together a small portfolio that showcases your ideas for digital learning projects or improvements. This could include concepts you've thought about or research on current trends in education technology that excite you. It’s a great way to stand out and demonstrate your creativity!
