At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Stanbridge Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive workplace.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career progression, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, Makaton, and a passion for education are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 10987 - 11925 £ per year.
Location: Downend, South Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Fixed term contract
Hours: Part Time
Contract Length: until August 2026
Salary: £29,540-£32,061 FTE (Actual: £10,987.41-£11,925.09)
Posted: 27th November 2025
Start Date: 5th January 2026
Expires: 8th December 2025 11:59 PM
Contract Length: until August 2026
Job ID: 1521744
Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant at Stanbridge Primary School (BS16)!
Start Date: 05/01/2026 or sooner
Salary: Grade 9, £29,540 - £32,061 FTE (Actual Salary: £10,987.41 - £11,925.09 based on weeks worked and hours)
Contract: Fixed term until 31/08/2026, subject to a review of the school’s budget.
Hours: 16 hours per week (8.30am–3.30pm Monday & Wednesday, 9.00am-12.00pm Thursday), term time only to include INSET days. (39 weeks)
Application Closing Date: 08/12/2025
Interview date: 17/12/2025
The Role: We are looking for a skilled Teaching Assistant primarily to support a child with SEN needs, on a one on one basis or in small groups.
The successful candidates will preferably have experience in:
- Knowledge of a typical learning profile of a child with Downs Syndrome
- Be competent at adapting learning to meet specific needs
- Experience in delivering Tac Pac activities, sensory based exploration
- Knowledge and understanding of hearing loss
- Experience and knowledge of a sensory diet
- Experience of emotion coaching
- Makaton
Please refer to the candidate information pack, under "supporting documents" for more information about the role.
Fluency Duty: This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents and other users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The School and Trust: Stanbridge Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, a family comprising 14 schools (12 primary, 1 junior, and 1 infant school), all united in our common goal of creating outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in our local communities.
We can offer you:
- A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a dedicated and hard-working staff team.
- Professional Growth: We are committed to staff development and offer excellent CPD opportunities. Staff can also take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, allowing for practical experience and personal growth.
- Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 14 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
- Employee Wellbeing: Our staff’s opinion matters to us, which is why we conduct an annual staff survey to ensure their voice is heard. Additionally, our Wellbeing Committees are here to support staff in the workplace. Support staff benefit from generous leave entitlement.
- Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and discount retail platform to help you save money on various purchases.
We encourage you to browse our respective websites for more information about Stanbridge Primary School and The Leaf Trust.
How to Apply: All applicants are advised to refer to the candidate information pack, which includes the job description and specification, before submitting an application. If you feel that your skills and experience match the requirements of this post then please submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability for the role. In order to do so, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CVs.
Safeguarding Statement: The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment practices, suitability to work with children and young people will be assessed during the selection process. All appointments are subject to comprehensive vetting, including an enhanced DBS check, employment and reference checks, and an online search.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Teaching Assistant employer: The Leaf Trust
Mangotsfield CofE Primary School offers a nurturing and supportive environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a focus on pupil wellbeing, our team fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises safety and positive behaviour, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and child development. Located in the vibrant community of Bristol, this part-time role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact during term time while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like The Leaf Trust just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at The Leaf Trust. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Teaching Assistant role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At The Leaf Trust, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Leaf Trust
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at The Leaf Trust, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At The Leaf Trust, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.