Specialist Teaching Assistant

Salary:
Level 4, Point 19 – £22,125.68 + SSA allowance £1,047.89 per annum

(FTE £27,767 + SSA allowance £1,315.07 per annum)

Level 5, Point 22.1 – £23,911.39 + SSA allowance £1,047.89 per annum depending on experience

(FTE £30,008 + SSA allowance £1,315.07 per annum)

Location:

Arbour Vale School, Farnham Road, SL2 3AE
/ Arbour Vale Satellite Centre, Derwent Drive, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6HW

Working Pattern: 33.5 hours per week, term time only (Monday 8.30am – 4.30pm; Tuesday - Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm)

Arbour Vale School is a large and inclusive special school in Slough, supporting pupils aged 2 to 19 with a wide range of educational needs. It is one of the largest special schools in the country, meeting the needs of children and young people with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning needs, and autism.

The school is purpose built with specialist facilities including a dedicated nursery and post‑16 base, soft‑play area, hydrotherapy pool, multi‑sensory room, a newly refurbished library, well‑equipped IT suite, dedicated music room and large sports hall. Arbour Vale School is a vibrant and welcoming community and offers many opportunities for professionals who want a rewarding career enabling young people to achieve their full potential irrespective of their personal learning needs.

Slough Borough Council has recognised the need for additional school places, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Council on an exciting new development at our satellite centre in Slough. This phased expansion will create 80 additional places over two years, increasing Arbour Vale School’s total capacity to 455 pupils across two sites. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing and inclusive school community, with roles available at the main school site and the satellite site, as we continue to provide high‑quality, personalised education for children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs.

We are seeking Specialist Teaching Assistants to join our team. In these roles, you will support classroom teachers to ensure high‑quality learning outcomes for all pupils within a safe and supportive environment. You will provide personal care, deliver therapeutic interventions, and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding. On occasions, you may take a lead in learning activities or assume additional responsibilities in the teacher’s absence, making a direct impact on the development and success of our pupils.

• Support Learning and Development - Assist classroom teachers to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum, promoting progress, independence, communication, and positive behaviour.
• Provide Personal and Therapeutic Care - Deliver personal care, medical interventions, and individual therapy programmes (e.g., Physio, OT, SaLT, specialist feeding), following care plans and undertaking relevant training.
• Safeguarding and Wellbeing - Promote the safety, health, and wellbeing of pupils at all times, reporting any concerns in line with school safeguarding and Health & Safety procedures.
• Classroom and Resource Support - Prepare classrooms and learning environments, support displays, manage resources, and provide clerical or administrative assistance as required.
• Leadership and Additional Responsibilities - Occasionally cover for teachers, lead learning activities, and take specific responsibilities such as therapy lead, behaviour support, communication lead, or resource management under professional guidance.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, grade 4 / C or above
• Proven successful experience of working or caring with children in an educational setting
• Understanding of and commitment to work within the scope of the school’s equal opportunities policy
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within those responsibilities.
• Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children

OHCAT is an exciting, forward‑thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing…