Level 1 Teaching Assistant SEND

Overview

At John Smeaton Academy we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to secure the gift of choice through an excellent education. We are seeking a caring, dedicated and enthusiastic Level1 Teaching Assistant who shares our ambition, values and commitment to ensuring every student can thrive, regardless of their starting point or individual needs.

• Support students across our SEND provision, including mainstream lessons, Beacon, Inclusion Base and the specialist Resource Provision Horizons.
• Deliver targeted interventions to support learning, communication and social‑emotional development.
• Assist pupils in accessing the ambitious curriculum and building independence.
• Develop positive relationships with students, families and external agencies.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEND specialists and pastoral colleagues to provide high‑quality, tailored support.

• Passionate about supporting children and young people to succeed.
• Able to build positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Patient, resilient and flexible when supporting learners with a range of SEND needs.
• Works effectively as part of a team while using own initiative.
• Committed to inclusion, high expectations and safeguarding.
• Desire to develop skills and expertise within a specialist SEND environment.

• Membership of a teacher or local government pension scheme, depending on the role.
• Commitment to continued investment in professional development and career progression within the trust.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme with confidential professional advice 24/7.
• £2,000 Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.