At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs, helping them learn and grow through small victories.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leader in special education with a focus on inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent facilities and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children; classroom experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 27528 - 27528 £ per year.
Up to £27,528 + 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 purpose-built primary provision – Ashbrooke supports young people with ADHD, ASD, SEMH and SLCN.
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
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re 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’ll be there every step of the way.
By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re 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.
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 (Sunderland) employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary School Teaching Assistant (Sunderland)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ashbrooke School and its values. Understanding their approach to education and the specific needs of the students will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Teaching Assistants at Witherslack Group on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about your own 'huge small victories'. Reflect on times you've made a difference in someone's life, no matter how small. This will help you articulate your passion for supporting children.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary School Teaching Assistant (Sunderland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role of a Teaching Assistant.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value diversity and individuality, so let us know what makes you unique and how you can connect with our pupils on a personal level.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant, especially in a special educational needs (SEN) setting. Familiarise yourself with terms like ASD, SEMH, and SLCN, and think about how your experiences relate to these areas.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past, and express your genuine desire to help them achieve those 'huge small victories' that make a difference.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about situations where you've had to adapt your approach to meet a child's needs, and be prepared to discuss how you handled those challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the school and its values. Ask about their approach to inclusion or how they support staff development, which will highlight your commitment to being part of their team.