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- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and help them reach their full potential.
- Company: Shay Lane Primary School, a warm and friendly environment.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, supportive staff, and a positive school culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a caring team and contribute to a safe learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, Level 2 qualification, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 12300 - 13800 £ per year.
Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
Wakefield Council
- Location: Shay Lane Primary School (J&I), Shay Ln, Crofton, Wakefield WF4 1NN
- Salary: Grade 4 Scale Point 6 (FTE £20,585.92)
- Contract: Temporary, Term time
- Hours: 16.25 hours per week (part-time)
- Closing date: Friday 24th October 2025
Completed application forms should be returned to the school or emailed by the close of business on 24th October 2025. The Governors of Shay Lane Primary School are looking to appoint an individual to work with children with additional needs. Required to start as soon as possible. Start date to be agreed.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have high expectations
- Can work on their own initiative
- Are outstanding classroom practitioners who will work with our children to ensure they achieve their highest potential
- Demonstrate high expectations of behaviour
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Have secure knowledge in maths and English to at least GCSE level or equivalent
- Able to support pupils, including those with EHCPs
- Have previous experience of working in an educational setting with children with additional needs; a minimum Level 2 qualification in this area is essential
In return we at Shay Lane offer you:
- A warm and friendly school with happy and confident children
- A caring and committed staff
Shay Lane Primary School is committed to safeguarding all children and staff. The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information. For a visit, please contact Mrs Sharon Pollitt, School Business Manager, on 01924 862600 to make an appointment.
Other details:
- Job title: Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
- Job reference: 244044
- Date posted: 25/09/2025
- Location: Shay Lane Primary (J&I) School, Shay Ln, Crofton, Wakefield WF4 1NN
- Basis: Part time
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Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover) employer: Wakefield Council
Contact Detail:
Wakefield Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Shay Lane Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values and any recent news. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for teaching assistants and rehearse your answers. Focus on your experience with children who have additional needs and how you've supported them in the past. We want you to feel confident when you walk into that interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated high expectations and excellent communication skills in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about helping kids reach their potential, especially those with additional needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for outstanding classroom practitioners, so mention any specific examples of how you've supported children in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supporting children with additional needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with what Shay Lane Primary School is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, parents, or colleagues in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to adapt your communication style to suit different audiences.
✨Demonstrate High Expectations
Be ready to share your philosophy on education and how you set high expectations for both yourself and the students. Think of specific instances where you’ve encouraged students to achieve their best and how you’ve supported them in overcoming challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school. You might want to ask about the school's approach to supporting children with EHCPs or how they foster a positive learning environment.