Teaching Assistant (Term time only), Grade D, Fixed Term to August 2025

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to work in partnership with teaching and other SEND Team staff in the care and support of an individual pupil with a specific physical disability. You will support the learning, engagement and progress of this, and other SEND pupils in a range of contexts. To recruit and retain the highest calibre staff the school offers a number of enhancements for colleagues. These include:

• High priority for admission of children of staff to the school.
• Access to school fitness facilities, including a gym.
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes.for electric vehicles and bicycles, subject to qualifying criteria.
• Access to a range of training programmes to ensure professional development.
• Access the opportunity to apply for support staff leadership roles.
• A supportive environment where work/life balance issues are considered carefully
The role of a Teaching Assistant is a an important position within Whickham School where the successful applicant will have the opportunity to:
• Work with class teachers to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good progress;
• Promote pupils' independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;
• Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;
• Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills, knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of SEND pupils within their subjects
The SEND provision is an exciting, fast-paced and highly motivated, yet supportive environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour, engagement and academic outcomes. At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs. We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils, ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum. SEND is seen as a whole-school issue, hence the responsibility of everyone. Every teacher is a teacher of every young person, including those with SEND or any other additional need. We work closely with our children, families and a wide range of professionals to ensure the best possible educational outcomes. Specific details regarding the role, skills and qualities that the successful candidate will need to demonstrate are available to download. Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the school. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.