At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an EYFS pupil with speech and language difficulties in a friendly school environment.
- Company: Sherston Primary School, a vibrant part of the Cotswold community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and a beautiful working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while working in a happy, safe school.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with speech difficulties and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Join a committed team in a school rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 26824 £ per year.
Salary: TA Grade E, £25,989 - £26,824; MDSA duties Grade B £24,413 both pro rata
Hours: 25 hours per week TA plus 2.5 hours MDSA. 8.45 to 12pm every morning & 1pm to 3:15pm every afternoon. A 15-minute, unpaid break is included, taken in the morning. MDSA duties would be either 12:00-12:30 or 12:30pm-1pm to allow for a 30-minute lunch break (unpaid). Term time only.
Contract type: Specific Purpose contract
A bit about us: Sherston is a thriving village Primary on the edge of the Cotswolds set in beautiful grounds and surroundings. The school is an integral part of the thriving village community of Sherston.
- Unique school in beautiful grounds, in a modern purpose-built building, with on-site parking, in the heart of a pretty Cotswold village
- Happy, polite, enthusiastic children with a love of learning
- Strongly committed and united staff
- Supportive school community, including parents and governors
- Close ties to the local parish
- Supportive leadership team
The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in July 2021. In the inspection report, Ofsted found that:
- Leaders and staff are ambitious for all pupils. They place significant importance on 'learning, caring and achieving together'
- Leaders expect pupils to develop the skills and knowledge they need to flourish as kind and responsible young people.
- Teachers have the expert knowledge to challenge and extend pupils
- Pupils are unanimous in their view that this is a happy and safe place to learn.
- Pupils show positive attitudes in lessons. This means that interruptions to learning are rare
- Pupils with SEND thrive in a supportive environment
Sherston village is located in the north-west of Wiltshire, bordering Gloucestershire to the north and South Gloucestershire to the west. Sherston is about 5 miles from both Malmesbury and Tetbury and only 15 minutes from M4 J17 (Chippenham) and J18 (Bath). The village has been listed in the top 5 villages in the country to live by the Sunday Times and featured in Channel 4's Village of the Year series in 2018.
All about the role: We are looking for someone to join our friendly and supportive team to work with and support an EYFS pupil with an EHCP. The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience of working with children who have disordered speech or speech and language difficulties
- Be willing to work closely with the school SENDCo and undertake additional training if necessary
- Be a good team player
- Be friendly and flexible
Find out more and apply: Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed in term time. To arrange a visit please contact the School Business Manager, Ms Corrie Darker. You can download an application form and job description from our school website. Please also check out our school facebook page and a video to give you a feel for the school. Please submit your application via email.
Closing date (and time): Monday 23rd February noon
Interview date: Thursday 5th March 2026
Commencement date: Tuesday 14th April 2026 or sooner
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW. Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV's submitted via the apply button will not be considered.
Teaching Assistant (Named Pupil) & MDSA - Malmesbury employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Named Pupil) & MDSA - Malmesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a stroll around Sherston Primary's website and social media. Familiarising yourself with their values and community will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through the school's community. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to working with children, especially those with SEND. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through the school's website! Following their specific application instructions shows that you're detail-oriented and serious about the position. Plus, it keeps everything organised for them!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Named Pupil) & MDSA - Malmesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your experience aligns with it.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to highlight relevant experience, especially working with children who have speech and language difficulties. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what matters!
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to apply via our school website as instructed. We won’t consider applications sent through other channels, so double-check that you’re following the guidelines to ensure your application gets seen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Sherston Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, recent Ofsted report, and community involvement. This will show your genuine interest in the school and help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Prepare for Specific Scenarios
Think about your experiences working with children, especially those with speech and language difficulties. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported similar pupils in the past. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Teaching Assistant, being a good team player is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in previous roles. Highlight any instances where you contributed to a positive team environment or supported your peers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support available for staff, training opportunities, or how the school fosters a positive learning environment. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of their community.