Primary School Teaching Assistant
Primary School Teaching Assistant

Primary School Teaching Assistant

Sunderland Full-Time 22600 - 26700 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with special needs in their learning and development.
  • Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leading provider of education for young people with special needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
  • Qualifications: Passion for helping children; experience in a classroom is a plus but not required.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture; career progression opportunities available.

The predicted salary is between 22600 - 26700 £ per year.

Up to £26,674 + excellent benefits

Our Teaching Assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

As a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

You’ll be joining Ashbrooke School, one of the leading SEN settings in the North East. A purpose-built school with specialist classrooms, extensive grounds and sporting facilities, plus a new purpose-built primary provision – Ashbrooke supports young people with ADHD, ASD, SEMH and SLCN and was recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

  • Training: A full induction and on the job training
  • Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
  • Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
  • Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
  • Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
  • Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
  • Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities
  • A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
  • Contributory pension: (matched up to 5%)

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

  • Your ‘can do’ attitude – a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
  • Ideally you’ll have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you will all the relevant training
  • Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives
  • Your enthusiasm and expertise to support the teacher and work closely with our therapists

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Primary School Teaching Assistant employer: Witherslack Group

At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and fulfilling environment for our Teaching Assistants at Ashbrooke School. With a focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our staff to make meaningful impacts in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Join us in a purpose-built setting that celebrates diversity and fosters personal growth, where every small victory contributes to a brighter future for our students and a rewarding career for you.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Primary School Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Understanding these conditions will help you connect better with the students and demonstrate your commitment to their development during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion for education and working with children by sharing personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your dedication. This can make a strong impression on the hiring team and show that you truly care about making a difference in young people's lives.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Ashbrooke School and its approach to special education. Being knowledgeable about the school's values and environment will allow you to tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. Inquiring about the support systems in place for Teaching Assistants or opportunities for professional development shows that you are proactive and invested in your career growth within the organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Primary School Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Behaviour Management
Adaptability
Resilience
Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Ability to support diverse learning needs
Creativity in lesson support
Observation Skills
Motivational Skills
Basic First Aid Knowledge
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Primary School Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with children or in educational settings, and showcase your passion for supporting young people.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you hope to make. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your 'can do' attitude and your ability to connect with children from diverse backgrounds.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group

✨Show Your Passion for Education

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability

Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges and setbacks. The role requires resilience, so share examples of how you've adapted to difficult situations in the past, particularly in educational settings.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Since you'll be working closely with teachers and therapists, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of successful teamwork from previous roles, showcasing your 'can do' attitude.

✨Research the School and Its Values

Familiarise yourself with Ashbrooke School and its approach to education. Understanding their values and the concept of 'huge small victories' will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a Teaching Assistant.

Primary School Teaching Assistant
Witherslack Group
W
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