Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 21339 - 26774 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with special needs in their learning and personal development.
  • Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leader in special education with a strong commitment to student success.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, full school holidays, medical cover, and a £1,000 referral bonus.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: A passion for helping children learn; classroom experience is a plus but not required.
  • Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which we will cover.

The predicted salary is between 21339 - 26774 £ 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

W

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 Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Understanding these challenges will help you connect better with the young people you'll be supporting.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion for education and working with children during any informal interactions or networking opportunities. Engaging with current staff or attending open days can give you insights and demonstrate your commitment.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's not directly in a classroom setting. Volunteering or mentoring roles can illustrate your dedication to helping young people succeed.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's ethos and support systems during interviews. This shows your genuine interest in their approach to education and your eagerness to contribute positively to their environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Adaptability
Behaviour Management
Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Resilience
Passion for Education
Ability to Support Learning
Collaboration with Therapists
Positive Attitude
Classroom Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of a Teaching Assistant. Highlight your understanding of working with children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work with children, particularly in educational settings, and showcase your ability to support learning and development.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for supporting children and highlights specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. Mention your 'can do' attitude and willingness to learn, as these traits are essential for this position.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your 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 supporting children in their learning journey. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact on young people's lives.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability

Given the challenges that come with working with children who have special educational needs, it's crucial to showcase your resilience. Prepare examples of how you've adapted to difficult situations in the past and how you maintained a positive attitude.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams, especially in educational settings. Emphasise your ability to support teachers and work alongside therapists to create a nurturing environment for students.

✨Research the School's Ethos

Familiarise yourself with the school's values and ethos, particularly their commitment to high expectations and aspirations for every child. This will allow you to align your answers with their mission and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.

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