At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children’s emotional and academic growth in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Ivy Lane School, part of the caring Pickwick Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent pension, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Warm community atmosphere with strong values of inclusion and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Empathy, proactive attitude, and a passion for helping children thrive.
The predicted salary is between 10696 - 11037 £ per year.
Salary: Salary range: D4- D6 (depending on experience) - £25,185 - £25,989 FTE / Actual Salary: £10,696 - £11,037 per annum
Hours of work: 18.75 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (term time, excluding TD days) / Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 12.15pm (We are happy to talk flexible working options in regards to all our roles)
Contract type: Permanent
We are looking for someone who is empathetic, proactive, and dedicated to helping children thrive both emotionally and academically and join our dedicated staff team at Ivy Lane Primary School. Thrive Practitioner training is desirable, but we are willing to support the right candidate to gain this qualification.
As a Thrive Teaching Assistant you must be committed and flexible, be able to support groups and individual children with their learning. The role requires you to support the learning of specific pupils with SEMH needs either within the classrooms or in our dedicated Thrive space. Being able to work as part of a team is essential as well as being able to use your own initiative. The successful candidates will need excellent communication and liaison skills and will be closely supported by teachers.
The successful applicant will support a community where everyone is encouraged to reach their potential, work together toward shared goals, feel valued, enjoy a positive environment, and build relationships founded on kindness and trust.
Our School: Ivy Lane School is a two-form entry Primary School in the centre of Chippenham, Wiltshire and is part of the Pickwick Academy Trust. We also have our on-site Sunflowers Nursery which accepts children from the age of 3 years old. We believe in 'Learning for Life', aiming to equip every child with both the skills to be successful beyond their primary years and a life-long appetite for learning. The school community really is a special place to learn. Ofsted Jan 2022 recognised this; 'Teamwork is central to the work at Ivy Lane to ensure pupils are educated and nurtured well.' Our school values of 'Learning, Environment, Others and Ourselves' underpin our ethos. We place a huge importance on outdoor learning and are very lucky to have Forest Schools Provision. We also have an extensive provision of social and emotional support for our children.
Why choose Pickwick Academy Trust? You will be joining a trusted community that is built on shared values and genuine care for every learner. As part of 21 schools, you will benefit from shared expertise, strong professional development, and clear pathways for progression. Our scale allows us to invest in high-quality training, mentoring, and resources to help you succeed. We offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where staff wellbeing truly matters, including:
- Excellent pension scheme
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing support & counselling
- Strong central team support and a real sense of family and belonging
- Staff involvement in shaping key HR policies
- Free eye tests (and glasses if required for your role)
- Free annual flu jab
- Retail Discounts & savings, including Wiltshire Rewards retail savings/ Blue Light Card
- Emergency salary advance scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Ongoing career and professional development
Our vision is to provide the very best education, empowering our children to become lifelong learners, global citizens and deep thinkers. We are seeking dedicated staff to join our supportive trust and help make a real impact. Our mission is to attract and retain individuals who share our values and vision. As a Diversity & Inclusion employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise needing applicants.
What we Value in Our Team: At Pickwick Academy Trust, we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. We are looking for colleagues who can work in a way that reflects our values of aspiration, collaboration, inclusion, enjoyment, and nurturing relationships. This means setting clear goals, working respectfully with others, treating everyone fairly, creating a positive environment, and building supportive and consistent relationships with pupils and colleagues. You do not need to 'be a certain type of person' to succeed here, what matters is how you work. If you want to support children to do well, enjoy being part of a team, and want to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and ambitious Trust, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Closing date: 12.00 noon on Wednesday 28th January 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Pickwick Academy Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, governors, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As such, all applicants are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they are considered 'spent.' An enhanced DBS check will be undertaken prior and a requirement to the commencement of any employment. References will be requested at the shortlisting stage for all roles and may be used during the interview process. If any of your previous employments includes working with children, one referee must be from that role regardless of whether it is your current or most recent position. All gaps in employment must be accounted for and explained in the relevant section of the application form. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and our safer recruitment procedures, an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This search will involve reviewing publicly available information to help assess a candidate's suitability to work with children. Further guidance will be provided to shortlisted candidates, who may be asked to clarify aspects of their online presence.
Thrive Teaching Assistant in Chippenham employer: Wiltshire Council
Ivy Lane School, part of the Pickwick Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of its staff. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from flexible working options, excellent pension schemes, and ongoing training opportunities, all within a nurturing environment that values teamwork and personal growth. Located in the heart of Chippenham, our school community fosters a positive atmosphere where educators can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thrive Teaching Assistant in Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Ivy Lane School or check out their website. Familiarising yourself with their values and environment will help you connect better during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for helping children thrive! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've supported kids in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since collaboration is key at Ivy Lane, think of times when you've worked well with others. Highlighting your ability to work as part of a team will show you're a great fit for their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the role or the school. This shows your genuine interest and helps you figure out if it’s the right place for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Thrive Teaching Assistant in Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help you understand what Ivy Lane School is really looking for in a Thrive Teaching Assistant. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match their needs.
Show Your Passion for Education:Let your enthusiasm for helping children shine through in your application. Share any experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to supporting kids emotionally and academically. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your values align with those of Pickwick Academy Trust. Mention specific examples of teamwork, inclusion, and nurturing relationships that resonate with their ethos.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through the link provided in the job listing. This ensures your application gets to the right place and is considered properly. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the instructions and you’re good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Ivy Lane School's values and ethos. Understanding their commitment to 'Learning for Life' and how they support children emotionally and academically will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Thrive Teaching Assistant, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated understanding and support for children, especially those with SEMH needs. This will show that you can connect with the students and contribute positively to their learning environment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
The role requires collaboration with teachers and other staff members. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight how you contributed to shared goals and supported your colleagues, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the Thrive Practitioner training or how the school supports staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
