At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND in the classroom and contribute to school life.
- Company: Join a leading Special School with an outstanding reputation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plan, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23755 - 26170 € per year.
We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who shares our values and has the dedication and skills to support learning in the classroom as well as to contribute to other areas of school life for our young people with SEND. If you are passionate about supporting and empowering students with SEND, we would love to hear from you!
St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form is an 11-19 Special School in Derby, with a mixed student profile of children and young people with a range of learning difficulties and additional complex needs; including Autism, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Emotional and Mental Health, as well as other Learning Disabilities and Difficulties. St Martins shares a site with Noel-Baker Academy in Alvaston, whilst Horizons 6th Form is based in Derby city centre. Our Supported Internship programme for Year 14 students is based at the Royal Derby Hospital. We received our fourth consecutive 'Outstanding' OFSTED in October 2024 and we continue to aspire to the highest standards for students and our staff team.
At St Martins, our aim is to Shape Successful Futures for our students throughout their time in school – whether in the classroom or the playground, and we believe that all time spent in school is a valuable opportunity for personal development. We believe in developing our staff team to help them reach their potential, with opportunities for further development and progression available to all.
Candidates must:
- Have experience of supporting students with a range of Special Educational Needs
- Be able to tailor communication to meet the needs of students
- Want to work towards Shaping Successful Futures for all students
The hours of work for this post are: Monday and Thursday – 8:15am-4:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday – 8:15am-4:45pm, Friday – 8:15am-2:45pm. We encourage visits to the school prior to application. To arrange a visit, or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Victoria Theobald.
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.
Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.
Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create 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 professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.
If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.
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 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.
- 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: £23,755-£26,170
Working hours: 37 hours per week, 38 term time weeks + 5 INSET Days (39 weeks total)
Contract type: Fixed Term for One Year
SEN Teaching Assistant in Derby employer: St Martins School
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering our staff and students alike. Located in Derby, our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering extensive training opportunities and a supportive environment where every voice is valued. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, ample holiday entitlement, and a commitment to wellbeing, joining our team means making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEND while thriving in your own career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a visit to St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form. It’ll give you a feel for the environment and help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the school culture and what they value in a Teaching Assistant, which can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported students with SEND in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to shaping successful futures for all students.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our incredible team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with SEND shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight why you care about making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Use examples that demonstrate how you've successfully supported students with various needs in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your reasons for applying are easy to understand. We want to see your enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role and our school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Martins School
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to support students with different needs, like Autism or ADHD. This shows you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable!
✨Tailor Your Communication
During the interview, demonstrate how you can adapt your communication style to meet the needs of various students. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with students who have complex needs, highlighting your flexibility and understanding.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! Talk about why you want to work in a special school and how you believe in shaping successful futures for students. Authentic passion can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to SEND and staff development opportunities. This not only shows your interest in the role but also that you're thinking about how you can contribute to the school's mission and culture.
