At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex learning needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at St Andrew’s Academy, a special school for diverse learning needs.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work across two sites and grow within the Trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, resilient individuals with a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 20766 - 21428 £ per year.
We are seeking a committed, compassionate, and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at a special school supporting children and young people with a range of complex learning needs, including autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of pupils who require highly individualised support to access learning, develop independence, and thrive in a nurturing environment.
You will work closely with class teachers, therapists, and other support staff to deliver tailored learning programmes and provide consistent, high‑quality support to pupils both in and out of the classroom. St Andrew’s is a special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties and ASD aged 11‑19 years. Our special settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs from children with profound medical needs and life‑limiting conditions, to those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
St Andrew’s Academy operates from two sites. You may be asked to work at either site; any moves would be discussed with you beforehand. Our main site is located at St Andrew’s View, Breadsall Hilltop, Derby, DE21 4EW, serving mostly Key Stage 3 and 4 students. The FE campus is at 66 Whitaker Road, Derby, DE23 6AR, for students aged 16‑19.
Please note: All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms stating clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.
Benefits
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
- Free Discount for Teachers Scheme
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
Working Hours & Salary
Actual Salary: £20,766 – £21,428
Working Hours: 35 hours Monday to Friday – Term Time only (38 weeks plus 5 Inset days = 39 weeks)
Grade 4 Teaching Assistant employer: St Andrew's Academy
St Andrew’s Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With generous holiday entitlements, access to a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through the Institute of Education, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Derby, our special school offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with complex learning needs, all while being part of a compassionate and resilient team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grade 4 Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St Andrew’s Academy on LinkedIn or through social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Teaching Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with autism, SLD, and PMLD. This shows your commitment and helps you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at St Andrew’s Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Grade 4 Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children with complex learning needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've helped students in the past, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you 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 to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of the pupils you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with autism, severe learning difficulties, and how to create tailored learning programmes. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to make a difference.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion and resilience in previous roles. Whether it's through personal anecdotes or professional experiences, showing that you genuinely care about helping others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting students with complex needs. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and teaching philosophy.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes, demonstrating that you're a team player ready to contribute to a supportive environment.
