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- Tasks: Support the educational and welfare needs of pupils in a special needs school.
- Company: Shorefields School, a caring environment for children with complex learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and experience working with children with challenging behaviour.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a vibrant location near the beach.
The predicted salary is between 15700 - 16162 £ per year.
Position Type: Teaching/Child Support
Pay Range: Scale 4 point 7-8
Position Start Date: 01/01/2026
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Fixed Term Appointment until August 2026
Responsibilities
- Join a supportive and committed staff team
- Work to support the educational and welfare needs of pupils
- Provide support on term‑time only, plus non‑pupil days
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- Relevant experience in a related field working with children with challenging behaviour or supporting the needs of people with disabilities
- Physically demanding role – a certain level of fitness required
Hours & Salary
26.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Actual gross annual salary for this position is £15,700.07 to £16,162.65
Application Closing
Application Close: 30/11/2025 Midnight
Date of Interviews: to be confirmed
About the School
Shorefields is a special needs school for pupils aged 3 – 19 with complex learning difficulties (SLD, PMLD, ASD). Shorefields School caters for the needs of pupils with a range of severe learning difficulties. We currently have 165 pupils on roll aged between 3 and 19 years. The school is located in the centre of Clacton‑on‑Sea close to the beach and shopping area. Our catchment area extends to the whole of the Tendring peninsula.
Safeguarding
Shorefields School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to uphold our high standards. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Contact Information
Michelle Glover
114 Holland Road, Clacton‑on‑Sea
Essex, CO15 6HF
Telephone: 01255 424412
Email: admin@shorefields.essex.sch.uk
Teaching Assistant employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Show us that you understand the needs of pupils with complex learning difficulties and how you can contribute to their welfare and education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to supporting children with challenging behaviour. We want to see your passion and readiness to tackle this physically demanding role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll be one step closer to joining our supportive team at Shorefields School!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can support our pupils, so mention any specific experiences you've had working with children, especially those with challenging behaviour.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in a special needs environment shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of our pupils, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant, especially in a special needs environment. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by pupils with complex learning difficulties and think about how your experience aligns with these needs.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with children, particularly those with challenging behaviour or disabilities. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to support their educational and welfare needs effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Express your passion for working in a supportive educational setting. Talk about why you want to be part of a team that prioritises safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and how you can contribute to that mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s approach to supporting pupils and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
