Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Manchester 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 leader in special education and care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, and flexible benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Passion for helping children; experience in a classroom is a plus but not required.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and wellbeing.

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

Please note: This role is to start in September 2026. Up to £27,528 + excellent benefits Those Huge Small Victories

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.

Check out this video on what life as a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group is like!

Get out what you put in

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.

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’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.

One of the best environments in SEND

Opening in September 2026, Bowersgate School is a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 6 – 16 with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Wythenshawe and the wider communities, you are 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

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 – check out our benefits here

  • 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 – check out our schools here

  • 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’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

Interested in joining us?

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.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the \’Parents and Carers\’ section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children /
SEMH / SEN / ASD

Teaching Assistant employer: Witherslack Group

Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer for Teaching Assistants, offering a supportive and well-resourced environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with special educational needs. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a generous benefits package that includes medical cover and wellbeing resources. Located in a beautiful setting, our schools foster a culture of inclusion and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic self to work.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 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 interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase any relevant experience you have, even if it's informal. Whether it's volunteering, tutoring, or caring for children, sharing these experiences can highlight your passion and suitability for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the Witherslack Group and its values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during discussions can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to learn more about the school's environment and how you can contribute to the students' success.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Behaviour Management
Adaptability
Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Resilience
Ability to build rapport with children
Creative Problem-Solving
Organisational Skills
Motivational Skills
Observation Skills
Commitment to Inclusion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group. 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, as well as your ability to support diverse learning needs.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and your understanding of their unique challenges. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can contribute to the positive environment at Witherslack Group.

Showcase Your Values: In your application, reflect on the values of inclusion and diversity that Witherslack Group champions. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to creating a supportive and respectful environment for all students.

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 difference in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability

Be prepared to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt to different learning environments and your strategies for supporting students with diverse needs.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values

Research Witherslack Group and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs, particularly regarding inclusion and support for neurodiversity.

✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about training opportunities or how the team collaborates to support students.

Teaching Assistant
Witherslack Group
Location: Manchester

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