Teaching Assistant Level 1 (SEN)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Teaching Assistant Level 1 SEN to join our fantastic team at Pear Tree High School.

This is a permanent full‑time post, working 35 hours per week, term time only, plus 5 INSET days. The pro‑rated starting salary is £21,662, with a full‑time equivalent of £25,185 Grade 3. This role is expected to start as soon as pre‑employment checks are complete.

We’re looking for:

Someone who understands the role of a Teaching Assistant, collaborates effectively with classroom professionals, and has basic knowledge of child development and learning and excellent numeracy and literacy skills, qualified to level 2 or equivalent/higher. The right candidate will be committed to professional standards, continuously striving to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills. A focus on teamwork and driving continuous improvement to support student success is required.

Main purpose of the job:

You will be part of a team providing exceptional education for students so that they become happy, confident adults. You will support teaching and learning across the school, providing general support in the management of pupils and resources, working under the supervision of the class teacher, department lead and senior leadership team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Work with small groups of children under the supervision of the teacher and ensure implementation of Individual Learning Plans.
• Provide regular feedback on children’s progress to the class teacher and keep records up to date.
• Assist with the supervision of discreet groups of pupils for short periods when the teacher is not present.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Participate in training to develop relevant learning strategies and ensure students make progress in learning.
• Support the performance management process and demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development.
• Converse at ease and provide advice in accurate spoken English, which is essential for the post.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

How to apply:

To be considered please follow the online application process. Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 30th March.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non‑teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years’ service
• Cyclescheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes – including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options – we’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• bYond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: prospere.org.uk

Pear Tree High School

Pear Tree High School is a brand new specialist support school which sits in the heart of Cheadle Hulme. The school aims to work in partnership with parents and carers, the multi‑academy trust, the local authority, and other agencies to provide exceptional education for all.

The school commitment involves harnessing the resources of our school, Trust, and wider community to help students realise their full potential and make outstanding progress.

The new purpose‑built SEND school site delivers state‑of‑the‑art facilities which provide an environment suitable for the learning needs of all students and young adults. These facilities are designed to suit the changing needs of pupils from key stage three through to post 16.

The curriculum is structured to equip young people with a significant learning need with the skills to thrive both at Pear Tree and as they progress to college and employment. The organisation of the curriculum reflects the needs of all students. Beyond the academic curriculum, experiences enhance pupils’ skills enabling them to understand the wider world so they can become effective citizens.

Visit our website to learn more about our school community: https://www.peartreeschool.org.uk/

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self‑disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self‑disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application support please contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email jobs@prospere.org.uk