At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Preston School, a top-performing institution in Somerset focused on excellence and ambition.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a Cycle to Work scheme, and free eye tests.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to promote inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Strong English and Maths skills; experience with teaching or support roles is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 Β£ per year.
* Teaching Assistant β Special Educational NeedsNEWFast Apply# Teaching Assistant β Special Educational NeedsEmployerLocation: Yeovil, SomersetContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: Β£18,421 β Β£19,011Posted: 30th April 2026Start Date: As Soon As PossibleExpires: 11th June 2026 09:00 AMContract Type: PermanentStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1548178Job Reference: Teaching Assistant β May 2026Start Date: As Soon As Possible* Contract Type :Permanent* Job ID: 1548178* Share :**Accountable to:** SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)**Contract Type:** Full Time β Permanent, with Part Time working considered for an exceptional candidate**Start Date: ASAP****Salary:** Β£18,421 β Β£19,011 (FTE Β£24,790 β Β£25,584)We are seeking an inspirational Teaching Assistant to join our growing SEND team and to help support students throughout their time with us. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a school with some of the strongest student outcomes in Somerset β both in terms of academic achievement and progression onto meaningful post-16 education and training. In September 2025, our outcomes placed Preston among the top three schools in Somerset for Attainment 8, this role helps ensure that our students with SEND can attain just as well.Preston School has a clear and ambitious vision: To Achieve Excellence, by Inspiring Ambition β For Every Student, Every Day. We are committed to delivering outstanding education and wider opportunities for our students, and we seek a Teaching Assistant who wholeheartedly shares this vision.Based in the heart of Somerset, the successful applicant will benefit from beautiful surroundings, a strong commitment to continued professional development and join a welcoming and supportive staff community.We encourage early applications for this role as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.**What We Are Looking For:**An inspirational Teaching AssistantA commitment to securing strong student outcomes, by supporting consistently high-quality teaching and targeted intervention work when requiredAn ability to work with small groups of students and on a one-to-one basis as requiredStrong English and Maths skills, to enable the effective support of students and clear communication with their families**What We Offer:**A school ranked in the top 3 in Somerset for academic attainment in the last academic yearClear and consistent behaviour management routines, with centralised detentionsA focus on workload and wellbeing, with strong centralised curriculum planningStrong links within the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership which support strong continued professional development and further career opportunities for our staffA Cycle to Work scheme and free eye tests, along with access to an employee benefits platform### Attachments### Safeguarding Statement:Preston School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.### Preston SchoolPart of### Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership #J-18808-Ljbffr
Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs employer: Midsomer Norton Primary
Contact Detail:
Midsomer Norton Primary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEND. Research common challenges they face and effective strategies to support them. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to securing strong student outcomes during any discussions.
β¨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former Teaching Assistants in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the position.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and supporting diverse learners in your conversations. Be prepared to share examples of how you've positively impacted students' learning experiences, especially those with additional needs.
β¨Tip Number 4
Engage with the school's vision and values. Familiarise yourself with Preston School's commitment to excellence and ambition for every student. Reflecting this understanding in your interactions will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Teaching Assistant position. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with their expectations.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in supporting students with Special Educational Needs. Include specific examples of how you've contributed to student outcomes in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to supporting students with SEND. Mention any relevant qualifications or training, and express your alignment with the school's vision of 'Achieve Excellence, by Inspiring Ambition'.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midsomer Norton Primary
β¨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with students, especially those with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
β¨Highlight Relevant Skills
Prepare to discuss your strong English and Maths skills, as these are crucial for supporting students effectively. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles or experiences, particularly in a teaching or support context.
β¨Understand the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Preston School's vision of 'Achieve Excellence, by Inspiring Ambition'. During the interview, relate your own values and teaching philosophy to this vision, showing how you can contribute to achieving outstanding outcomes for students.
β¨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Be prepared to discuss how you can work with both small groups and one-to-one with students. Share examples of how you've adapted your approach to meet individual needs, as this is essential for a Teaching Assistant working with SEND students.