SEN Teaching Assistant

Required: As soon as possible

Reporting to: Junior School Deputy Head (Academic)

Hours: Full or Part Time

Closing date: Wednesday 21st January, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Thursday 29th January

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join The King’s School, Gloucester as a Junior School Teaching Assistant. This varied role will involve working primarily (around 70%) as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant across Years 1-6, delivering targeted support through small group sessions and one-to-one interventions. The remaining time (approximately 30%) will be spent as a class-based Teaching Assistant, currently in Year 2, supporting the teacher in creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in promoting the educational and social development of pupils, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. You will work closely with teachers and the wider team to implement tailored strategies, foster confidence, and contribute to a positive, nurturing atmosphere.

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives while being part of a committed and supportive educational community.

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area;

our academic, co‑curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national‑scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed.

With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward‑thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

• Under the guidance of the Junior School SENDCo, provide specialist support for pupils from Years 1-6 in small group and one-to-one settings;
• Under the guidance of class teachers, creating a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating environment conducive to the children’s learning, and supporting the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning;
• Implementing support programmes for individual pupils with diverse learning needs;
• Providing support to pupils inside and outside of the classroom, including for those with emotional or behavioural issues;
• Establishing productive working relationships with students, promoting good behaviours, inclusion, independence, and cooperative interaction;
• Monitoring pupil progress in order to provide feedback to class teachers and the Junior School SENDCo;
• Providing administrative support to class teachers in preparing resources, classrooms and outdoor areas for learning;
• Listening to children read, recording progress and passing on any concerns to the class teacher;
• Supervising pupils in class, at breaktime and on School trips;
• Maintaining professional skills through INSET and the School’s CPD programme;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Any other tasks or responsibilities that may reasonably be assigned by the Head of Junior School.

• Experience of and enthusiasm for working with children and young people, particularly those with SEN;
• Ability to assist children on an individual basis, in small groups and during whole‑class work;
• Empathetic yet assertive, able to listen to the needs of the children and respond accordingly;
• Ability to set an example, follow rules and be a model of…