Teaching Assistant

Uplands; Swindon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational institution in Swindon is looking for dedicated Teaching Assistants who cherish making a difference in the lives of children with severe or profound learning difficulties. Ideal candidates will demonstrate resilience, positivity, and teamwork. Whether new to the role or experienced, you will receive full training to support our unique children. This full-time role offers annual pay progression and excellent benefits, helping you grow both professionally and personally as part of a welcoming community.

Benefits

Support on continuous professional development

Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts

Free on-site parking

Annual pay progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrates an unconditional positive regard for children with complex needs.
• Ability to provide support and encouragement.
• Experience in working with special educational needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support students with severe learning difficulties during their learning journeys.
• Implement individualized learning plans.
• Foster a positive and engaging learning environment.

Skills

Unconditional positive regard for children

Team player

Resilience

Supportive attitude

Education

Relevant qualifications per Person Specification

Job description

Uplands is a school for students with severe (SLD) or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) aged 11 – 19 years and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Our students will often have additional complex needs.

We are in search of two Teaching Assistants who:

• Demonstrates an unconditional positive regard for our CYP
• Is motivated to make a difference
• Is a resilient, supportive and a reliable team player
• And is focused on enabling our CYP by being solution focused

If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to join our friendly and dedicated team. Our children are unique and need positive, supportive and fun Teaching Assistants who understand that our learning journeys are a bit different and that’s great!

Uplands is proud to be part of Brunel Academies Trust – a growing educational community with no barriers, only potential. We strive to significantly improve the life chances and outcomes for our children and young people within our SEND, CofE and mainstream schools.

What it’s like to work at Uplands:

“The very special students and dedicated team members are what motivate me”.

“Working here gives true perspective of how the small things in life for most people are a huge journey for our young people but helping and seeing them succeed makes you realise what we do every day can impact on someone not just for the school day, but for the rest of their lives”.

“The internal feeling you will get from supporting the young people to help manage life will make all the hard work worth it”.

“You reap what you sow. Not everything is achievable first time round, but with time, patience and perseverance, the rewards are endless”.

“You know that you, as a team member, are proud to be part of that student’s journey and that has made a difference (however big or small)”.

“With the support of Uplands I have been able to further my career and work in a really rewarding job”.

Interview

12.01.2026 or as received

Please see the attached Job Description for full details of the responsibilities and expectations of this role.

Please check the Person Specification for the qualifications that are listed as Essential for this role. You will be required to show these qualifications if you are successful.

Note: Applicants will be considered as received. Should a suitable candidate be identified, we may close the vacancy early.

In the first instance we would welcome your application via SAM People Recruit. However, if you are unable to complete the application on this platform, please contact the team using resourcingswindon @brunel.org.uk or 1793 268820 and we will be able to issue a Word version of the application form for completion and return by the deadline. Unfortunately, in line with Safer Recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs.

For any internal to Brunel candidates, please contact resourcingswindon @brunel.org.uk for an internal application form.

Hours

32.5 hours per week

Experience

You can join us as an entry level Support Assistant or an experienced Teaching Assistant.

Training

It is important to us to ensure you feel valued and supported. Full training appropriate to the role will be provided.

Whether through continuous professional development, personal and impartial support, or exciting discounts to enjoy with friends and family, Brunel Academies Trust have a package of excellent benefits which are available to all employees, including:

• Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
• Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays
• Discounts with Swindon Designer Outlet Village
• Carefirst – impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries
• Free on-site parking
• Annual pay progression opportunities

You are invited and encouraged to visit our setting to explore how unique and inspirational our children and team are. We encourage you to learn more about us through our website, and contact the school office to arrange a visit.

EEO Statements

Brunel Academies Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (CYP) and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance. All references will be obtained prior to interview in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE, and further references may be sought as deemed necessary.

Brunel Academies Trust is dedicated to the vision of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a team that reflects diversity from the communities it serves. We value the contributions of all colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and actively seek to promote an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment; which at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance.

Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010, Brunel Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process that is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, pronouns preference, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, paternity or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

In order for your application to be formally considered, we require a fully completed application form in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education & Safer Recruitment. This must include your education history, qualifications with dates and an unbroken employment history from leaving full time education to present day (with gaps accounted for). Please make sure all gaps in employment are explained in the box provided.