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Teaching Assistant

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Contract Type: Full-time
Working Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday
Start Date: Immediate Start

About the School

We are working with a welcoming and inclusive school located in Southend-on-Sea, committed to providing a high-quality education within a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. We pride ourselves on strong relationships with pupils, parents, and the wider community, and we are dedicated to supporting every child to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated, enthusiastic, and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and hardworking team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting teaching and learning across the school, working closely with class teachers, SEND staff, and other professionals to ensure all pupils are able to access the curriculum and thrive in school.

This role may involve supporting individuals or small groups, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), social, emotional, or behavioural needs, and/or English as an Additional Language (EAL), depending on the needs of the school.

Key Responsibilities

The Teaching Assistant will be expected to:

  • Support the learning and development of pupils in line with the teacher's planning

  • Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce learning, promote progress, and raise attainment

  • Assist in the preparation of learning resources and classroom displays

  • Support pupils with SEND, including implementing individual education plans (IEPs) or support strategies

  • Encourage positive behaviour and support the school's behaviour management policies

  • Promote inclusion, equality, and diversity in all aspects of school life

  • Support pupils' personal care needs where required (training provided if necessary)

  • Supervise pupils during non-teaching times, including breaktimes, lunchtimes, and educational visits

  • Observe and monitor pupil progress, providing feedback to teachers and contributing to reviews

  • Maintain accurate records in line with school procedures

  • Uphold the school's safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety policies at all times

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

  • A genuine passion for working with children and supporting their learning

  • A caring, patient, and flexible approach

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team

  • A good standard of literacy and numeracy

  • An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and confidentiality

Desirable Criteria:

  • Previous experience working in a school or educational setting

  • Experience supporting pupils with SEND or additional needs

  • A relevant Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or Level 3)

  • Knowledge of phonics, early reading, or numeracy support strategies

What We Offer

  • A supportive and friendly working environment

  • A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development

  • Access to training and career progression opportunities

  • Experienced leadership and mentoring support

  • The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference to children's lives