At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Grade 6 students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join St Andrew's, a caring school dedicated to transforming lives of young people with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term and permanent contracts available; early applications encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive, family-like atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Caring attitude, teamwork skills, and motivation to support learners are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 € 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, those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social emotional and mental health needs that require support and understanding to help them to navigate their world.
Please note, St Andrew’s Academy is a school that is based over two sites. During your employment at our school, you may be asked to work at either site, but any moves would be discussed with yourself prior.
Our main site is based at St Andrew’s View, Breadsall Hilltop, Derby, DE21 4EW and most students on site are in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 with a small number of students who are aged 16-19.
Our FE (Further Education) Campus is based at 66 Whitaker Road, Derby, DE23 6AR. All students here are aged 16-19 and this site is based close to the city centre.
All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.
At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.
Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.
The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff)/Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - 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: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- 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.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £21,428 - £22,471
Working Hours: 35 hours Monday to Friday – Term Time only 38 weeks plus 5 Inset days (39 weeks)
Grade 6 Teaching Assistant in Derby employer: St Andrew's Academy
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs. Our supportive and nurturing work culture fosters collaboration among staff, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With generous holiday entitlements, professional growth opportunities, and a family-like atmosphere across our diverse schools, joining us means becoming part of a mission-driven community committed to educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grade 6 Teaching Assistant in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with severe learning difficulties and ASD. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will show your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills during any interactions, whether in interviews or networking. Emphasising your ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and other staff will demonstrate that you are a great fit for our supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with our community by attending events or workshops related to special education. This not only shows your dedication but also helps you build connections that could be beneficial when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your nurturing approach and positive attitude in detail. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on learners, as this aligns perfectly with our values at St Andrew's.
We think you need these skills to ace Grade 6 Teaching Assistant in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualities required for the Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Showcase Your Passion:In your cover letter, express your genuine passion for working with children with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your caring nature and motivation to make a difference in their lives.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, especially in educational or support settings.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your CV and cover letter are clear and concise.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Academy
✨Show Your Caring Nature
During the interview, emphasise your caring attitude and nurturing approach. Share specific examples of how you've supported learners in the past, especially those with special educational needs.
✨Demonstrate Positivity
Exude a positive disposition throughout the interview. Speak about your motivation to make a difference in students' lives and how you maintain a positive environment in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires excellent collaboration, be prepared to discuss your experiences working as part of a team. Mention any specific projects or initiatives where teamwork led to successful outcomes for students.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with St Andrew's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in relation to supporting children with diverse needs.
