At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs and help them thrive in their learning environment.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, a leading education recruitment agency.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, weekly pay, free training, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Long-term temporary role with potential for permanent employment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with secondary school children; Level 3 qualification is a plus but not essential.
A number of secondary schools across County Durham are looking to appoint School Support Workers ahead of September 2026, with long-term temporary positions available across a range of mainstream and SEND settings.
This is a role that sits at the heart of what makes a school function well. Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and the wider support team, you will be helping students – many of whom face significant barriers to learning – to access the curriculum, develop confidence, and make meaningful progress. The schools Teaching Personnel works with across County Durham are well-supported environments that recognise the value of strong, consistent support staff.
What the role involves:
- Supporting students across KS3 and KS4 with a range of additional needs
- Delivering 1:1 and small group interventions
- Assisting teachers with classroom management and lesson delivery
- Helping students develop independence and engagement with their learning
- Liaising with the SENCO and wider support team as required
- Contributing to a positive, inclusive school environment
What we’re looking for:
- A patient, dependable individual with experience working alongside secondary school aged children.
- Strong communication skills, an understanding of SEND and how it presents in the classroom, and the confidence to support students who may find school challenging.
- A Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential – relevant experience will always be considered.
An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is required.
With Teaching Personnel you’ll receive:
- Competitive daily rates
- Weekly pay via PAYE
- Dedicated consultant support
- Free CPD and SEND training
- Opportunities for permanent employment
Contract: Long-term temporary | Start: September 2026 | Location: County Durham secondary schools
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
Support Worker in Durham employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in County Durham's secondary schools. With competitive daily rates, dedicated consultant support, and opportunities for professional development through free CPD and SEND training, we prioritise the growth and well-being of our staff. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or support roles. Let them know you're on the lookout for a School Support Worker position. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some volunteering! If you can, spend time in schools or community centres working with kids. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-life experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to support work. Think about scenarios where you've helped students overcome challenges. We want you to show off your skills and passion for helping others!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team in making a difference in schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Support Worker role. Highlight any experience you have with secondary school-aged children and your understanding of SEND. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting students and how your background makes you a great fit for the role. Keep it friendly and professional, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Support Worker, strong communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively communicated with students, teachers, or parents in the past. This will show us that you’re ready to jump into the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a School Support Worker does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around supporting students with additional needs and working closely with teachers. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support students effectively. Whether it’s a time you helped a student overcome a learning barrier or contributed to a positive classroom environment, having these stories at the ready will make you stand out.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. During the interview, practice clear and concise responses. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. This shows that you’re engaged and willing to ensure effective communication, which is crucial when working with students and staff.
✨Emphasise Your Patience and Dependability
As a Support Worker, patience and reliability are essential traits. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve demonstrated these qualities in previous roles. Share instances where you’ve remained calm under pressure or provided consistent support to students, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
