At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable pupils with tailored academic and therapeutic curriculum in a small, friendly school.
- Company: Independent special school focused on compassionate education and professional development.
- Benefits: £2000 recruitment incentive, private health benefits, 10 wellbeing days, and annual pay rises.
- Other info: Enjoy a nurturing team atmosphere with generous resources and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English required; experience with SEND preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Start Date: 01/09/2026
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - 36.5 hours per week (daily unpaid 30 mins lunch break)
Directed hours: Mondays 8.30 - 5.30, Tuesdays to Fridays 8.30 - 4.00, 5 days per week, term time only.
We are looking for a positive, flexible, compassionate person to join our friendly team at this independent special school for 18 pupils, which opened in September 2019. We have exciting opportunities for applicants who are able to offer professional SEND teaching and therapeutic support to vulnerable pupils and wish to continually develop their own skills, knowledge and experience in SEND.
Together with the rest of the teaching and support staff team, you will be delivering a tailor‑made academic curriculum for a small group of 5‑6 pupils, and lead on one subject area, with support from the class teacher and Curriculum Lead. With training, you will deliver our therapeutic curriculum, supporting children with low‑level dysregulation and mental health needs. Lessons are at the school and activities are planned around the local area, using specialist support teams for extra‑curricular activities. Together as a staff team, you will be required to transport and accompany children to local activities. Ownership and use of a car full time, as well as a full driving licence, is therefore essential.
Pupils are aged between 6 and 17 years of age, main cohort usually between 10 and 17 years. The successful applicant will need to have substantial recent school‑based experience including supporting and teaching pupils with SEND using an evidence‑based, therapeutic approach. A qualification in at least GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English is an essential requirement for this post. We also welcome applications from highly experienced Learning Support Assistants who desire to progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status but have not yet achieved HLTA status. Full financial support and training time will be given throughout the duration of the course.
Recruitment incentive - £2000 payment upon the successful completion of probation!
- Full pension
- Private health benefits scheme
- 10 paid term‑time 'wellbeing days' tagged onto beginning / ends of terms
- Annual pay rises (since we are independent of National School pay scales)
- Stability and job security
- Extremely generous 13 INSET days provided P/A
- Supportive, empathic, professional team to work with
- Therapeutic approach to pupil behaviour and SEND provision
- Small school, maximising professional nurturing of children in accordance with updated Psychological research
- Substantial paid non‑contact time each week
- Additional paid individual CPD time
- Protected lunch break each day in our quiet, staff retreat area
- 24/7 Wellbeing support from the Employee Assistance Programme (including free face‑to‑face counselling and supervision sessions if desired)
- Generous budgets for resources for subject delivery, each child has a personal ICT and SEND budget
- Schemes of work and resources provided
- Staff 'thank you' events throughout the year to show our appreciation to you
- Refreshments provided throughout every day
We are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted!
Full-time Teaching Assistant in Chelmsford employer: St Teresa's
Join our compassionate and dedicated team at an independent special school, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable pupils. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer extensive training, generous wellbeing benefits, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and job satisfaction. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a small, nurturing environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in SEND education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full-time Teaching Assistant in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research their values, mission, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in SEND. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported pupils in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Full-time Teaching Assistant in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Share any relevant experiences or training that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your school-based experience and any qualifications that align with the job description, especially your ability to deliver therapeutic support and work with vulnerable pupils.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be 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 for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Teresa's
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description, as well as any relevant evidence-based strategies. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed about the needs of the pupils you'll be supporting.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
The role requires a positive and flexible attitude, so be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've adapted to changing situations or supported diverse learning needs. Highlighting your ability to work collaboratively with a team will also resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to teaching and support, especially regarding the therapeutic curriculum. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Development
Since the school offers training and support for professional development, express your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Share any past experiences where you've pursued further training or taken initiative to improve your skills, particularly in SEND or teaching.
