Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex learning needs and help them thrive in their education.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Tees Valley Education Trust, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, wellbeing support, and free parking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and relevant qualifications in English and maths required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career enhancement and a supportive leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 21783 - 26402 £ per year.
Status: Permanent
Required: As soon as possible
Salary: NJC point 6-7 £25,989 - £26,402 (NJC POINT 6 - Actual Salary PRO-RATA £21,783)
Hours: 35 hours per week, term time only +2 weeks (5 x PD Days plus 1 week of holiday club)
Reporting to: Executive Headteacher
About the Trust
The Trust was established in 2015 and provides education and enrichment activities to more than 1100 children across five Academies, located in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland local authority areas.
- Brambles Primary Academy (2 to 11 years)
- Discovery Special Academy (2 to 16 years)
- Dormanstown Primary Academy (2 to 11 years)
- Pennyman Primary Academy (2 to 11 years)
- Wilton Primary Academy (3 to 11 years)
About the role
Discovery Special Academy is seeking to appoint a pro‑active, enthusiastic, energetic and reliable Level 2 Teaching Assistant to join the Tees Valley Education Trust. This position would be to work with children from nursery to Year 11 with complex learning, sensory, communication and behaviour needs. Experience working with children with significant sensory and behaviour needs is required.
As a Level 2 Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside the class teacher, helping pupils to get the most out of their learning and supporting individuals or groups of pupils. You will be contributing to and participating in the team working ethos of the provision whilst maintaining its core values by:
- Supporting families to ensure that their children attend school regularly and make good progress;
- Supporting children to be kept safe and work positively with a range of stakeholders to protect children;
- Enabling children to be successful through supporting excellent attitudes towards learning and behaviour.
What we are looking for
We are looking for people who have experience of working with children with complex SEND, are interested in their development and learning and have good organisational and communication skills. We ask that all staff working with our children hold qualifications in English and mathematics that are at least equivalent to GCSE grade ‘C’. Qualification as a teaching assistant (or equivalent) is essential.
What the Trust will provide the successful candidate
- A workplace where all staff are valued and treated with respect as outlined within the Trust’s Diamond Standards;
- A passionate, enthusiastic and supportive Leadership Team;
- A listening and learning organisation where all staff are encouraged to be curious and share ideas for the Trust/academies/team to improve;
- Hard working, committed and dedicated staff who strive to gain the best outcomes for all children across the Trust’s academies;
- Dedicated approach to children’s learning to encourage them all to be the best they can be;
- Career enhancement opportunities within areas of interest as well as supporting ongoing professional development and training specific to job role;
- Dedicated line manager to discuss work streams and capacity;
- Free access to the Trust’s Wellbeing offer, which includes counselling, access to GP, Mindfulness and so much more;
- Free parking;
- Enrolment into the local government pension scheme;
- All support contracts are employed on National Joint Council (NJC) for local government services (also known as Green book);
- Benefits of the Trust’s Staff Charter which can be found at TVED Staff Charter.
Safeguarding requirements for the role
Tees Valley Education Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, therefore, all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as “spent”, must be declared. The Trust’s Recruitment of Ex-Offender policy can be requested or visit the Trust’s website.
Application
Applications are invited from prospective candidates who demonstrate that they are able to meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification and who have the vision, values and tenacity to join an outstanding team and help continue the journey towards excellence. An application form is attached below. Application packs can be downloaded or printed directly from the Trust website www.teesvalleyeducation.co.uk or requested from the academy. Only applications via the Trust’s official application form will be accepted. Please do not submit a CV as substitute for part or full application form; the information will not be accepted or considered. If you are submitting your completed application form by e-mail to recruitment@discoveryspecialacademy.org.uk – please be aware the academy cannot be responsible for any formatting anomalies when printing. If you are unable to submit an electronic application form, handwritten or electronic printed copies should be posted or hand delivered to the following address for the attention of Miss Jennifer Duncan. Discovery Special Academy Sandy Flatts Lane, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS5 7YN. Please contact the academy office on 01642 2248333 to arrange a visit.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: Thursday 27th November 2025
Shortlisting date: Thursday 27th November 2025
Interview date: Tuesday 2nd December 2025
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Refer to our privacy policy on how we will process your personal data including how you can request to access your personal data via Tees Valley Education website: http://www.teesvalleyeducation.co.uk
Level 2 SEND Teaching Assistant employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 2 SEND Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Discovery Special Academy and the Tees Valley Education Trust. Understanding their ethos will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions! Think about how your experience aligns with working with children with complex SEND needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and passion for supporting these children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Discovery Special Academy!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 2 SEND Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Level 2 SEND Teaching Assistant and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to working with children with complex SEND. Highlight relevant experiences that show you're the right fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Submit Through Our Website: Make sure to apply using the official application form from our website. We won’t accept CVs as substitutes, so stick to the form to ensure your application is considered. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children you might be working with, especially those with complex learning, sensory, communication, and behaviour needs. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children who have significant sensory and behaviour needs. Think of specific examples where you made an impact, whether it was through supporting their learning or helping them develop positive behaviours. Real-life stories can really resonate with interviewers.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with class teachers and other staff, highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated in the past to support students' learning and well-being. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of a cohesive approach in education.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting children with SEND or how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.