At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs, helping them learn and grow through small victories.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leader in inclusive education for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children; classroom experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 28600 £ per year.
Up to £28,573 + 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 are 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 will be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You will 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 are really proud of. It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it.
As a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group, you will 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 will be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.
One of the best environments in SEND Hilden Park school is a purpose-built, brand new, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's and Speech, Language and Communication needs. The school provides education for up to 72 children aged 8 to 16. This new exciting opportunity serving Tonbridge and the wider communities; you can be at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.
What we do for you
- Training: A full induction and on the job training
- Holiday: You will work hard at WG, so you will 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%)
Bring your whole-self to work
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 will be more than a Teaching Assistant, you will 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 will have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you with 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
Inclusive Culture
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference - especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we will be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we are better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
Commitment to Safeguarding
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 Teaching Assistant employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Witherslack Group and their approach to education. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. Use examples that highlight your resilience and dedication, especially when it comes to supporting children with special educational needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like to work at Witherslack Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making those huge small victories happen for our young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of a Teaching Assistant. Use keywords from the job description and relate your skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, especially those that relate to working with diverse groups of children. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Primary Teaching Assistant involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine passion for supporting children shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in young people's lives. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with their pupils and celebrate those 'huge small victories'.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to adapt your approach to support a child’s learning or emotional needs. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various situations in the classroom.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training and support available for new Teaching Assistants, or how the school fosters an inclusive environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.