Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in delivering personalised learning for pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism.
- Company: Join Paddock, an Ofsted outstanding special school dedicated to nurturing and supporting every pupil.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pension, training programmes, wellbeing schemes, and opportunities for promotion.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team that makes learning fun and meaningful for every child.
- Qualifications: Team players with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: Visit the school to see our culture in action; applications accepted until 31 August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
Full time – 30.5 hours per week Part-Time hours: To be agreed
Working hours – 09:00 – 15:30, with 30-minute lunch break
Working hours include a 30-minute class meeting each week
Contract – Permanent
Term time only – 39 Weeks
Start date – As soon as possible
Paddock is a special place where we put pupil’s interests first in everything we do. We are an Ofsted outstanding and innovative split site special school for pupils aged 4 – 19 with severe learning difficulties. Most of our children also have a diagnosis of autism.
We pride ourselves on the warm, nurturing culture of the school, and staff share a deep commitment to supporting the individual needs of our pupils. Every pupil here is known, understood and nurtured.
Our valued staff are exceptional practitioners who work as part of an extensive multi-disciplinary team of specialists to plan and deliver highly personalised learning opportunities that make learning fun, meaningful and engaging for our pupils.
Our reputation is founded on our high standards, and maintained by our caring, dedicated staff, who create a nurturing and inspirational atmosphere throughout the school. The whole team is enthusiastic and united in their desire to prepare pupils for life beyond Paddock.
To work at Paddock, where the focus is on providing outstanding support and education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism, there are several qualities and attributes that are highly valued:
- Team Player
- Compassion and Empathy
- Keen to contribute to school life
- Commitment to putting pupils first and helping them to reach their potential
- Life Long Learning
- Resilience
- Celebrate Learning
- Strong work ethic
We offer:
- Highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to employee wellbeing scheme
- School Direct routes into teaching
- Opportunities for promotion within the school
- Cycle 2 Work
- Smart Schools Benefits (which include Lifestyle Savings, Wellness support, saving scheme for everyday expenses)
We would be delighted if you joined with us on this journey. We have vacancies at our Primary School, Putney and at our Secondary School and Sixth form, Tooting. Please include your preferred School on your application form along with your preferred working pattern: Full Time or Part Time.
Please apply via the school’s recruitment platform https://paddockschool.face-ed.co.uk/vacancies
A Job Description and Person Specification is attached below.
Closing date: 27th February 2026
Interview dates: To be confirmed
Paddock School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.Â
All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Please be advised that CVs are accepted for individuals interested in scheduling a school visit. However, to advance in the recruitment process, submission of the application form is necessary. Please contact recruitment@paddock.wandsworth.sch.uk to arrange a suitable time and date should you wish to visit Paddock.
Primary School
St Margaret’s Crescent
SW15 6HL
Head of School Deborah Dockery
Secondary School & Sixth Form
Broadwater Road
SW17 0DZ
Co-Heads of School Lynette Martyn & Robert Pearce
Whole School Number: (020) 8878 1521
www.paddock.wandsworth.sch.uk
Executive Headteacher: Sarah Santos
Teaching Assistants employer: Paddock School
Contact Detail:
Paddock School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism. Understanding their unique challenges and how to support them will demonstrate your commitment to putting pupils first, which is highly valued at Paddock.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Highlight any previous experiences where you collaborated with other professionals to create personalised learning opportunities, as this aligns with the school's ethos.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your resilience and strong work ethic during any interactions with the school. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've overcome challenges or contributed positively to a team environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the school before applying. Engaging with the staff and observing the environment can provide valuable insights that you can reference in your application, showing your genuine interest in joining the Paddock community.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the qualities and attributes that Paddock values in a Teaching Assistant. Highlight your relevant experiences that demonstrate teamwork, compassion, and a commitment to supporting pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the school's mission. Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your ability to nurture and support individual needs, as well as your enthusiasm for contributing to school life.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to include any relevant qualifications or training you have completed that relate to special education or working with children with autism. This could include certifications, workshops, or courses that demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning.
Follow Submission Guidelines: Ensure you follow the application submission guidelines provided by Paddock. Complete the application form thoroughly and return it via the specified method, whether by email or post, before the closing date of 31 August 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paddock School
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with pupils who have severe learning difficulties and autism. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting their individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Paddock values team players, so be prepared to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Provide examples of past experiences where you contributed to a team effort, especially in an educational setting.
✨Highlight Your Compassion and Empathy
Since the role requires a deep understanding of pupils' needs, share specific instances where you've shown compassion and empathy in your previous roles. This will help illustrate your suitability for the nurturing environment at Paddock.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, particularly in relation to supporting pupils with diverse needs.
