Specialist Teaching Assistant

Specialist Teaching Assistant 12m Fixed Term Contract - July 2027

The role of Specialist Teaching Assistant is to provide high quality support for children with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex therapeutic, medical and health needs, placing their quality of life at the centre of what we do.

Under direction from the teacher, and with support from the class team, you will be responsible for the development and education of all pupils in your allocated class.

• To support an integrated and holistic approach to education, health and care.
• To work under the direct supervision of an allocated teacher.
• To support access to learning and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils in learning opportunities.
• To provide a high standard of direct care, including personal care.

This contract is for 52 weeks that the school is open.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, on‑site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms, time off for gender reassignment, additional annual leave days for long service, free on‑site parking, staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on‑site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable), opportunity to join an alternative scheme and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

• Supporting EHCP delivery in school, under the guidance and supervision of the teacher.
• Assists in the delivery of educational work programmes by participating in day‑to‑day learning activities.
• Discusses with and reports back to the teacher on the engagement in learning of pupils.
• Support the class team to maintain the learning environment.
• Working alongside class team, support the learning and care routines of pupils.
• Works as part of a team to ensure that the wellbeing, behaviour and personal development of pupils enhances their learning opportunities and life skills and has an understanding of pupil’s happiness.
• Learns to effectively use and understand various electronic platforms (ECR, Class Dojo, Evidence PP) to support learning and monitor individual pupil progress.
• Communicates effectively with children and young people, families, and members of the inter‑professional teams.
• Understands a range of communication methods and styles that could help meet the child/young person’s communication needs, wishes and preferences.
• Recognises barriers to effective communication and reduces these as appropriate.
• Clearly reports any concerns to senior staff and actions as instructed.
• Participates effectively in education, therapy, medical and care meetings.
• Utilise efficiently The Children’s Trust Information technology systems of communication and assists Children’s Support Assistants – Level 1 (and any others) in their development of effective IT skills.

We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.