Teaching Assistant - L3 in Sheffield

Teaching Assistant Level 3 – Alternative Provision

Element Society

Yorkshire House, 66 Leopold Street, Sheffield S1 2GZ

Registered Charity (England and Wales): 1157932 | UKPRN: 10047367 | ICO: ZA165853 | Company Ltd by Guarantee: 08576383

Alternative Provision at Element

Alternative Provision is a short, focused stop on a young person\’s journey. Some pupils cannot be in mainstream right now. With us they get specialist support, steady routines and a calm place to learn. Our job is to stabilise, rebuild confidence and skills, and help each pupil move on to the right next step, whether that is a return to mainstream, a specialist setting or a different pathway.

About the role

Help each session feel safe and purposeful. You will lead small group and one to one activities, support behaviour kindly and consistently, and keep simple, accurate notes so the team can follow up.

Working pattern: 4 days per week with an option for job‑share or reduced hours, 5 hours per day, generally 09:30 to 14:30.

Term time only. Optional extra hours on other Element projects during school holidays may be offered by agreement.

Why this role matters

Many pupils arrive with gaps in trust, skills and routine. Your patience and encouragement help them stick with it and make steady progress.

Pay and terms

£13.45 to £13.97 per hour. Breaks unpaid. Minimum paid hours per shift: 4.

Paid monthly via BrightPay on the last Thursday of each month.

Benefits: Westfield Health; Blue Light Card; Charity Worker Discount scheme.

Base: across Element sites and partner venues within 5 miles of Sheffield city centre.

Employer pension contribution is 8 percent.

Cycle to Work scheme available.

Holiday entitlement: 30 days per year – pro rata to your working days and hours.

What you will do

• Lead planned one to one and small group activities
• Support behaviour using agreed methods and de‑escalation
• Help with set up, tidy up and smooth transitions
• Notice, record and escalation of safeguarding concerns

What you will bring

• Experience with children or young people and ideally AP or SEMH or SEND
• Behaviour support skills and calm judgement
• Reliable communication and Enhanced DBS and RTW
• First aid, positive handling and local knowledge

Training and progression

We provide paid induction and all mandatory training. We can fund other useful qualifications by agreement. Typical progression: TA3 to HLTA to AP Programme Coordinator to AP Programme Lead.

Safeguarding and compliance

This is regulated activity and will require an enhanced DBS check.

You will follow our safeguarding policy, professional boundaries and code of conduct. Right to work checks may be completed via a certified remote route.

Two references are required, including your latest line manager.

Element Society is committed to safeguarding children and young people to the highest standards.

Safeguarding children and young people is everyone\’s responsibility at the charity. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are the first priority, before the success of the programme or the reputation of the charity, school, client or parent. Children\’s and young people\’s welfare is paramount. We uphold the safeguarding principles and requirements of registered charities who work with children, young people and vulnerable groups, outlined by the Charity Commission.

Element adopts and implements good practice to minimise the opportunity for abuse, provide safe and secure environments, and to ensure young people are supported in an appropriate manner. As a staff member, you will be expected to uphold and enforce the principles and guidelines associated with safeguarding and work in a way that acknowledges and incorporates these practices.

Equal opportunities

Element Society values and welcomes diversity, culture and belief within the communities we serve and wholeheartedly supports the principle of equality of opportunity and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic origin or nationality, gender, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, responsibility for dependants, employment status, age, capability or disability.

How to apply

• Deadline for applications is 17 th December 2025 at 5:00pm
• Shortlisting: skills and values screened against the person specification.
• Interview and practical task: for example, de‑escalation role play, session planning, or a short data exercise.
• References: two references, including the most recent line manager where applicable.
• Online check: short online search for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Right to Work and identity checks: completed before start; certified‑remote route may be used.
• Enhanced DBS: required for regulated activity. Employment is subject to satisfactory checks.
• Conditional offer: confirmed when checks are complete.

To sign up for job alerts or advertise a job please login or register with VAS. For application, please request an application form to be sent to you by emailing: jobs@elementsociety.co.uk