At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic pupils' communication and wellbeing in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Company: Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained Autism Specialist school with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Professional development, free meals, flexible working, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic pupils and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong teamwork skills, and a passion for inclusive education.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community focused on enabling each pupil to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
We are proud to be Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained Autism Specialist school and the world’s first IB special school. Following our Outstanding Ofsted rating in March 2024, we are expanding our provision and are now looking for a passionate and innovative Teaching Assistant to join our dynamic teaching team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and inclusive setting that puts pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils are autistic, each with their own strengths and challenges, and our mission — Enabling the Self — is to ensure they leave school confident, self-aware, and ready for the future.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant at The Cavendish School, you will play a vital role in supporting the communication and wellbeing of autistic pupils with complex needs by:
- Working alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging, inclusive learning experiences tailored to each pupil’s needs.
- Providing individual and small-group support to help pupils access the curriculum and build confidence, communication, and independence.
- Supporting pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing in our purpose-built therapeutic environment, including sensory rooms and regulation spaces.
- Helping to prepare learning resources, support classroom routines, and contribute to observations that inform planning and progress tracking.
- Modelling and implementing a range of autism-specific strategies in the classroom, in line with our trauma-informed and therapeutic thinking approach.
- Working closely with our multidisciplinary team — including therapists, teachers, and leaders contributing to a whole-school culture of reflective, trauma-informed practice rooted in our ethos of “enabling the self”.
We are looking for someone who believes that autism is not a limitation, but a different way of thinking and experiencing the world — and who is passionate about enabling each pupil to grow, learn and thrive in a setting that celebrates individuality.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who is compassionate, proactive, and committed to supporting autistic pupils to succeed academically and emotionally.
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally in an educational or specialist setting.
- A genuine interest in therapeutic approaches and trauma-informed education.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to follow guidance and contribute meaningfully to classroom life.
- A calm, flexible, and reflective approach to supporting pupils with diverse needs.
- An enthusiasm for contributing to an inclusive, pupil-centred school ethos.
- A willingness to learn and grow professionally as part of a supportive and skilled multidisciplinary team.
Whether you’re experienced in special education or excited to transition into this rewarding field, we offer additional collaborative planning time, ongoing CPD, and a supportive community where your passion will truly make an impact.
Why Join Us?
- An Outstanding-rated autism specialist school with a pioneering IB curriculum.
- A vibrant, therapeutic and supportive school community.
- Access to professional development, training, and clinical supervision.
- The chance to make a real difference — not just for pupils, but for their families and futures.
- A Well-being directory for all staff offering financial supports and to improve wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Free school meals are provided for dining with our pupils.
- A 50% discount to our trust sports centre membership.
- An additional bookable holiday “Eastern Family Day” for you to take when you require.
- A modern flexible working school, with opportunities for home working and reduced hours.
Teaching Assistant in Manchester employer: Morris Education Trust
Contact Detail:
Morris Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Cavendish School and its mission. Understanding their ethos of 'enabling the self' will help you connect with the team during interviews and show your genuine interest in their approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through social media. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your compassion and proactive approach. Be ready to discuss how you've supported children with diverse needs in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our amazing team at The Cavendish School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with autistic pupils shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission of 'Enabling the Self' and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in educational or specialist settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Authentic: We value individuality, so be yourself in your application! Share your unique perspective on autism and how you believe it shapes learning experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us understand who you are.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our dynamic team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morris Education Trust
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand The Cavendish School's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their trauma-informed approach and how they support autistic pupils. This will show your genuine interest in their work and help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have working with children or young people, especially in educational or specialist settings. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported diverse needs, as this will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving autistic pupils. Think about strategies you might use for sensory regulation or emotional wellbeing. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and show your proactive approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's culture, professional development opportunities, or how they implement their therapeutic approaches. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.