At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and help students with special needs thrive in a vibrant learning environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding team at Pond Meadow Academy Trust in Guildford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and comprehensive employee well-being services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Passion for education; experience with special needs is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Dynamic school culture with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 18020 - 24330 £ per year.
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: PS3 £24,330 p.a. (£18,020 per annum pro rata)
Required ASAP - Full time - Term-Time Only 31 hours per week (M/W/Th/F: 9.00 – 3.30 Tu: 9.00 – 4.30)
An excellent opportunity to join the committed and friendly teaching team of our outstanding, supportive and innovative Special School.
Pond Meadow Academy Trust is a specialist day school providing high quality education for approximately 160 pupils from 3-19 years of age. Based in Guildford, Surrey, the school provides education for Surrey children with ASD (Autism, Communication and Interaction Needs) and/or Severe Learning Disabilities.
The school converted to a Special Academy on 1st November 2014 and has been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in our last five inspections, the most recent in June 2023.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a teaching assistant to join our vibrant team of 130 staff and play a significant part in the development of our outstanding Academy. Our school is growing to 200 pupils over the next 4 years with a new building for KS4/5 being built in 2025, including exciting enhancements and adaptations to the existing school environment.
We wish to recruit dynamic and highly motivated individuals who are committed to providing quality education and care which best places our pupils to maximise their learning and potential. The school has a strong focus on education that prepares pupils for life.
Successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS approval as part of our rigorous approach to safeguarding our children. Special Needs/autism experience would be helpful but not essential, as training will be given.
Our induction, CPD programme and opportunities to further develop are rated highly by current staff members as supportive, at the forefront of research and CV enhancing. We offer the LGPS pension scheme and a comprehensive employee well-being service.
This role is considered to be ‘regulated’ and as part of our rigorous approach to safeguarding children, candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS approval and will participate in regular safeguarding training and updates.
Pond Meadow is a welcoming and truly unique school where the values of Learning, Independence, Respect and Equality sit at the heart of everything we do. If you are committed to high quality education for all then we would love to hear from you. We particularly welcome applications from a range of backgrounds as our school strives to have our staff and employees mirror the diversity of our student population.
Closing Date: 05/11/25
Shortlisting: 07/11/25
Interviews: 12/11/25
Please email Office/HR Manager Julie Harper in school office for a paper application form.
Pond Meadow School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Teaching Assistant in Guildford employer: Pond Meadow
Contact Detail:
Pond Meadow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Pond Meadow Academy Trust and understand their values and mission. This 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 members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a teaching assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with the role, especially around supporting students with special needs. We want to see your passion and commitment!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant team and support our pupils effectively.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and working with children shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in our students' lives!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pond Meadow
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the values of Pond Meadow Academy Trust. Understanding their focus on Learning, Independence, Respect, and Equality will help you align your answers with what they prioritise in their teaching environment.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to providing quality education and care, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported students or dealt with challenges. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they support staff in their roles. This shows your interest in growing within the school and your commitment to being an active part of their community.