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- Tasks: Support children with specific needs and enhance their learning experience in a vibrant classroom.
- Company: Join The Downley School, part of the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with communication and interaction needs, is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic school on an exciting improvement journey with great resources.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to support children with specific needs on a one-to-one basis, and to support children’s learning in class. Ideally hours of work would be 9:00-1:00 or 11:30-3:30. Candidates with experience working with children with communication/interaction needs and SEMH needs is desirable. The school is looking for support staff members to become part of a newly formed team and move the school to the next part of its journey. The school is a happy place to work with supportive staff, governors and parents, and wonderful pupils who want to learn!
There are regular opportunities to attend LSA meetings and undertake additional training including progression to teacher training in the future. All our teaching assistants work alongside our qualified teachers to support learning – whether supporting individual children, providing administrative and welfare support, teaching small groups, supervising children at play or lunchtimes and much more!
About The Role
- To work under the guidance of the SENDCo and class teacher to support teaching and learning in the classroom, including support for specific named children.
- To provide general support to the class teacher in the management and organisation of the pupils and the classroom, and specifically for named children.
- To assist the teacher in creating and maintaining a purposeful, orderly, and supportive learning environment.
- To promote the inclusion of all children ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop (including working 1:1 to support children with special educational needs).
- To work with an individual child on a range of activities and to constructively help the child to participate by adapting and/or interpreting lessons and instructions accordingly.
- Supporting children with their social behaviour, attitude and skills.
- Enabling them to develop their independence.
- Further developing their language, literacy, mathematical, scientific, technological, manipulative and physical skills.
- Assisting with the implementation of specific learning and therapy programmes.
- Supporting children with speech and language problems and, when necessary, assisting with speech and language training.
- Assisting in the formulation, implementation, and maintenance of the child’s EHCP’s working alongside the class teacher and SENCo.
- Being responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the school.
Benefits of Joining The Downley School
The Downley School (TDS) is a great school to work at and over 90% of parents would recommend the school. We are a much‑changed school with new leadership, vision and direction. We are on a school development journey and would love for you to come and be an instrumental part of our improvement story and the next chapter for TDS.
Our curriculum offer is enhanced and enriched with the following facilities and resources:
- A bespoke Art and DT room that promotes our creative skills.
- Food technology kitchen to refine our culinary skills.
- An Imagination Studio that creates an immersive experience.
- A drama teacher and costume cupboard to produce any given performance.
- A Scandinavian yurt with log burner.
- Private woods and nature areas including a pond.
- Extensive fields for outdoor learning.
- Well‑resourced library.
- Air conditioning throughout the school.
- Coming soon… An additional all‑weather playground, purpose indoor sport hall, and purpose dining area!
We support staff to perform at their best and progress in their careers by providing:
- Leadership opportunities – we believe in all staff contributing to school improvement.
- Excellent professional development – experienced and talented staff both from within the school and the trust support in developing staff.
- IT equipment provided.
- Supportive staff that are working together and are proud of the changes they are making to this unique school.
- Customisable planning completed for all curriculum.
- A fun, friendly and sociable team.
Benefits of Joining the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
The ODBST family consists of 13 primary schools across Buckinghamshire, and we are delighted you are considering joining The Downley School for the next step in your career. Being part of a Trust makes you part of the family and this comes with many opportunities from CPD training and networking to in‑house support and career development.
We are committed to our staff and offer benefits which include:
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- We follow Teachers Terms and Conditions.
- Graded Pay Scales for Support Staff.
- Extensive CPD, Coaching and Mentoring course and opportunities in‑house and external.
- Networking for not just our Headteachers but our Office teams, Leaders, ECTs, Subject leads, DSLs and SENCOs.
- Inspection updates.
- Pension for both support and teaching staff.
- Term time only working for many of our roles.
The Downley is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check.
Teaching AssistantEDV/2025/DS/73774 employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
Contact Detail:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching AssistantEDV/2025/DS/73774
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Downley School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their journey. It’ll make you stand out as someone who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to supporting children with specific needs. We all know that being prepared can help ease those nerves and let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring examples of your past experiences working with children, particularly those with communication or interaction needs. Real-life stories can illustrate your skills and show how you can make a difference in the classroom.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about the support systems in place for teaching assistants and how you can grow within the role. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but a place where you can thrive.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching AssistantEDV/2025/DS/73774
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children who have specific needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children's learning shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the classroom and helping kids thrive.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at The Downley School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with supporting children with specific needs, especially those with communication and interaction needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked with children before, especially those with special educational needs, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about how you adapted lessons or supported individual learning. This not only highlights your experience but also demonstrates your ability to contribute positively to the classroom environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision, the support you'll receive, and opportunities for professional development. This shows that you're engaged and serious about being part of their team, and it helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be working closely with teachers and other staff. Highlight your teamwork skills and your ability to adapt to different situations. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, as this will reassure them that you can integrate smoothly into their supportive environment.
