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- Tasks: Support a child with special educational needs through tailored 1:1 assistance in class.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a diverse network dedicated to providing excellent education for every child.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, generous benefits, and lifestyle perks like gym discounts and travel deals.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a growing SEND department, making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is preferred, but we offer an apprenticeship for those without it.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 17158 - 17498 £ per year.
Job Description
JOB.TITLE
OU.DIVISIONOU.LOCATION.ADDRESS
Without a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification: Voluntary Real Living Wage – £17,158.98 per annum
With a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification: NJC Scale 3–5 – £17,158.98 to £17,498.47 per annum (pay award pending)
Part Time, Fixed term
30.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per yearÂ
September 2025 Start
New Rickstones Academy is graded ‘Good’ (November 2023) and has a state of the art building offering fantastic facilities for both students and staff. Over the last 9 years the academy has seen a huge increase in student numbers, with the number of students on roll more than doubling. The academy is a popular choice in the local area, is oversubscribed, and has added another new building to meet this demand. New Rickstones Academy is a great place to work with a friendly and supportive team. Staff numbers have also increased and the academy is proud to boast high retention rates. Development is a priority with an extensive and successful CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme to further develop our excellent staff.Â
We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our growing SEND department, working specifically to support a named child with special educational needs. You will provide tailored 1:1 support in class, as well as individualised interventions, helping to ensure the student can access learning, develop confidence, and achieve their goals.Â
The SEND department has grown significantly and is well positioned to deliver high quality support for our students. It is an exciting time to join as we continue to develop our team, resources and student opportunities.
What we offer:
We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, we require a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don’t yet hold this 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.
If this advert, our website, and the job description sound of interest to you, please contact Zoe Cruci, SENDCO for an informal discussion Â
Closing date: 20th August 2025
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 57 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.
We offer you:
- 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, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
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 inline 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.
Follow us on , , and . Further details can be found on our careers page.
Lift Schools is recruiting for Teacher Training placements. Please click to view the website for further details.
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Teaching Assistant employer: New Rickstones Academy
Contact Detail:
New Rickstones Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with special educational needs (SEN). Understanding the challenges they face and how to support them effectively will make you a more attractive candidate for the Teaching Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former staff at New Rickstones Academy to gain insights into the school culture and the SEND department. This can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially those with SEN. Whether it's through volunteering, tutoring, or personal experiences, showcasing this background can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your informal discussion with Zoe Cruci, the SENDCO. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gather valuable information about the expectations and opportunities within the academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience, particularly in supporting students with special educational needs. Include any qualifications, training, or volunteer work that demonstrates your capability for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to supporting students. Mention specific examples of how you have helped others learn or overcome challenges in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully 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 New Rickstones Academy
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant, especially in supporting students with special educational needs. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their development. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your dedication to education and supporting students' learning.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations in the classroom, particularly those involving students with special educational needs. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on empathy and effective support strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the SEND department's goals, the training opportunities available, or how success is measured for Teaching Assistants. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the academy.