SEND Teaching Assistant in Gateshead

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to work in partnership with teaching and other SEND Team staff. You will support the learning, engagement and progress of SEND pupils in a range of contexts.

SEND Teaching Assistants will:

• Work with class teachers to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good progress;
• Promote pupils’ independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;
• Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;
• Act as a Key Worker for a number of SEND pupils, maintaining regular contact with parents / carers;
• Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills, knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of SEND pupils within their subjects;
• Be linked to and support a faculty with SEND intervention and teaching strategies, developing expertise in specific subject areas;
• Develop expertise in two specific aspects of SEND.

The successful candidate will work in an exciting, fast-paced and highly motivated, yet supportive environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour, engagement and academic outcomes. At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs. We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils, ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum.

In January 2025 Ofsted recognised the strength of our SEND team and said students with SEND receive highly effective, bespoke support to develop their communication skills and prepare them for adult life. SEND is seen as a whole-school issue, hence the responsibility of everyone. Every teacher is a teacher of every young person, including those with SEND or any other additional need. We work closely with our children, families and a wide range of professionals to ensure the best possible educational outcomes.

Our aim is to ensure every young person is the best they can be and whilst we have already achieved much in achieving our goal, we recognise that there is so much more we can do. We are proud of our good reputation within the region and positive feedback we receive from students, parents, staff and external organisations such as Ofsted.

The role is 37 hours per week in term time. Hours of work are 8.20am - 4.20pm Monday - Thursday and 8.20am - 3.50pm on a Friday.

Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the school. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.