Teaching Assistant - Level 2, 37 hpw (Term Time Only) (Epinay School)

Teaching Assistant – Level 2, 37 hpw (Term Time only)

Epinay School

£28,598 pa pro rata

Required as soon as possible

School Moto & Ethos

Ready to Listen, Ready to Learn Together

All our young people to become Happy, Independent Learners who are Prepared for Adulthood

Epinay Business & Enterprise School is an outstanding special needs school offering around 255 places to pupils in KS1 – KS5. The pupils have significant learning difficulties and/or diagnosed learning disabilities who are working at a level of at least 3 – 4 years behind their peers and have limited ability to listen, process information, think, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations effectively.

In addition to their learning needs, the pupils may have some social vulnerability as well as some difficulties with their functional skills, speech and language communication needs and a diagnosis of Autism.

At our state of the art school, we create a safe and inclusive centre of excellence by providing a stimulating environment where learners achieve challenging and inspirational targets in order to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.

Based in the school’s Phase 1 department, the suitably qualified, successful candidate will be able to demonstrate they have experience and are highly skilled in working with young children who are pre and non verbal who require communication and interaction interventions. They will be able to demonstrate they can implement and adapt alternative and augmentative communication methods such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton and visual timetables. They will be able to deliver individualised learning one to one and in small groups.

We aim to deliver a structured, predictable learning environment using sensory strategies/interventions and now and next boards. You will have experience of providing support for toileting, feeding and mobility needs as required. You will be able to observe and record developmental and educational steps taken in accordance with the school’s academic and Education Health Care Plan outcome tracking systems.

The successful applicant will demonstrate high levels of patience, resilience and the ability to respond to non-verbal cues.

We are an all age school, with pupils ranging from Reception to Sixth Form. Pupils are working at a cognitive level far below their chronological age. If successful in gaining an interview, candidates will be expected to explain how they could make a positive difference to the outcomes of pupils within Phase 1 of the school. You will be a committed team player, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage and inspire our youngest pupils.

Applicants will be expected to show they have researched the school, its designation, cohort groups, specialist provision groups and curriculum offer. Visits to the school are recommended and can be arranged through Sandra Stephenson, Head’s PA, on (0191) 4898949 or email sstephenson5@epinay.org

South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.

In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.

To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicant

To apply for this post please download and complete the application form which is saved in “Supporting Documents” and return this to jobs@southtyneside.gov.uk

Closing date: Noon, Friday 13 February 2026

Interview date: Thursday 19 February 2026