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- Tasks: Support students with complex learning needs and help create an engaging classroom environment.
- Company: Join a leading specialist education provider committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience with special educational needs and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a nurturing school environment.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 25115 £ per year.
Location: Meadowcroft School, Wakefield, WF1 4AD.
Salary: £25,115.37 per annum (not pro rata).
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Mon–Wed 8:00am–4:30pm | Thu 8:00am–5:30pm | Fri 8:00am–3:30pm.
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only.
Start: February 2026.
UK applicants only; this role does not offer sponsorship.
About The Role
As part of our continued growth, we are looking for a SEN Teaching Assistant to join the close-knit team at Meadowcroft School. You will provide hands-on, personalised support to students with complex learning needs, helping to deliver lessons, implement individual plans, and create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. You’ll be instrumental in helping students access the curriculum, develop independence, and thrive both academically and socially.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the class teacher/tutor in delivering high-quality education for all students
- Assist with implementing relevant education policies and procedures
- Provide individual or group support to enable students to access the curriculum independently
- Promote students' physical, educational, and moral development
- Maintain and organise equipment and resources, reporting any maintenance issues
- Support classroom organisation, displays, and student groupings suitable for students with autism
- Assist in writing, updating, implementing, and evaluating student documentation, including BSPs, Risk Assessments, IEPs, Communication Profiles, and Pastoral Support Plans
- Collaborate with the class teacher/tutor to plan activities and ensure student safety on and off-site
- Produce teaching aids and resources as requested
- Contribute positively as a member of the school's multi-professional team
About You
- Experience supporting students with special educational needs, particularly autism
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills
- Patience, adaptability, and a proactive approach
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About Us
Meadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists, and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills, and a pathway to future success.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits include:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Teaching Assistant in Wakefield employer: Sun Spray Salon
Contact Detail:
Sun Spray Salon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Meadowcroft School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with special educational needs. We want to show how our experience aligns with their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our passion for education! During the interview, share specific examples of how we've made a difference in students' lives. It’s all about that personal touch!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining #teamOFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with special educational needs, especially autism. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Meadowcroft School!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or experiences. We love seeing genuine passion for education and student welfare.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sun Spray Salon
✨Know Your SEN Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN), particularly autism. Understand the key challenges these students face and think about how you can support their learning. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Teaching Assistant, strong communication is vital. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with students, teachers, or parents in the past. Think about times when you adapted your communication style to meet the needs of different individuals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a specific situation with a student who has complex needs. Practice your responses by thinking through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on patience and adaptability.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience working as part of a team. Highlight any instances where you contributed positively to a group dynamic, especially in an educational setting, to show that you can work well with others at Meadowcroft School.
