At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant special school dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values every voice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and experience working with diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 25889 - 27254 € per year.
We are seeking to appoint a committed, caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team within a vibrant special school setting. This post is to cover maternity leave and offers an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
Our school provides a nurturing, inclusive and highly supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential both academically and personally. We are proud of our strong team ethos and our commitment to putting the needs of every learner at the heart of everything we do.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support pupils with a range of additional needs, both in class and in small groups or 1:1 settings
- Work closely with teachers and other professionals to deliver individual learning plans
- Help promote positive behaviour, communication and independence skills
- Contribute to a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment
- Assist with personal care needs where required, in line with school policies and training
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)
- 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 Discount For Teachers 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 Career 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)
Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover) employer: St Andrew's Academy
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where dedicated professionals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. With a strong commitment to employee development through high-quality training and a collaborative work culture, staff are empowered to thrive and grow in their roles. Located in Derby, our schools provide generous benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, extensive holiday entitlement, and access to health and wellbeing resources, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
✨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 practising common questions related to supporting children with special educational needs. We recommend using role-play with a friend to get comfortable discussing your approach to promoting positive behaviour and independence skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or experiences. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the well-being of students.
✨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 vibrant team at St Andrew’s Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your unique experiences can contribute to our vibrant team.
Tailor Your Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role. Show us why you're passionate about working with children with special educational needs!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if needed to make it easy for us to read and understand your key qualifications.
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 quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant in a special school setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with severe learning difficulties and ASD. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to support students with additional needs. Whether it's working in a classroom or volunteering, be ready to discuss how you've contributed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting students with special educational needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and other professionals, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in educational settings. This will show that you're a great fit for their strong team ethos.
