Teaching Assistant (with SEND)

Leeds Safe Roads Partnership; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Leeds is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support children with special educational needs (SEND) at St Mary’s Church of England VC Primary School. The ideal candidate will work closely with teachers to maintain an inclusive environment, attend to students' personal needs, and assist with the management of classroom activities. This role is fixed-term and offers 30 hours per week, term time only. Applicants should have GCSE Maths and/or English or equivalent qualifications.

Qualifications

• Candidates should demonstrate essential criteria including skills, knowledge, and experience with children.
• SEN experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Attend to pupils’ personal needs and implement related personal programmes.
• Supervise and support pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning.
• Prepare classroom as directed for lessons.

Skills

Basic technology usage

Relating well to children and adults

Teamwork

Education

GCSE Maths and/or English grades D-G or equivalent

Job description

Job title and organisation: Teaching Assistant (with SEND) - St Mary’s Church of England VC Primary School

Hours: 30 hours per week - Term time only 85.56%

Contract: Fixed Term

Location: St Mary’s Church of England VC Primary School

Closing Date: Saturday 31 January 2026

Special Conditions

this post is subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure & Barring Service. Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

Job Purpose

To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for pupils and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. To support SEND children across school as needed. There may be a need to occasionally work outside of school hours and off school premises, as required by the school.

Responsibilities

• Attend to the pupils’ personal needs, and implement related personal programmes, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid and welfare matters.
• Supervise and support pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning
• Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.
• Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Encourage pupils to act independently as appropriate.
• Prepare classroom as directed for lessons and clear afterwards and assist with the display of pupil’s work.
• Be aware of pupil problems/progress/achievements and report to the teacher as agreed.
• Undertake pupil record keeping as requested.
• Support the teacher in managing pupil behaviour, reporting difficulties as appropriate.
• Gather/report information from/to parents/carers as directed.
• Provide clerical/administrative support - photocopying, typing, filing, collecting money etc.
• Support pupils to understand instructions.
• Support pupils in respect of local and national learning strategies - literacy, numeracy, KS3, early years, as directed by the teacher.
• Support pupils in using basic ICT as directed.
• Prepare and maintain equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assist pupils in their use.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
• Attend relevant meetings as required.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtimes.
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and CPD programmes.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the school by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with school and Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be responsible for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare and following child protection procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the standards and equal opportunities of the school and Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures and making sure the individual/s involved understand it is unacceptable.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

GCSE Maths and/or English grades D-G or equivalent is desirable.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate.

Skills Required

• Able to use basic technology – computer, video, photocopier.
• Able to relate well to children and adults.
• Able to work constructively as part of a team.

Knowledge Required

• Understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.
• Participate in development and training opportunities.

Experience Required

• Of working with or caring for children of relevant age.
• SEN experience is advantageous.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand and observe the School and Leeds City Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the School and Leeds City Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

We are part of the Wharfe Valley Learning Partnership, a group of local primary schools, and as such we are connected to a strong network who are all committed to work with our partners to raise levels of educational attainment, enjoyment and achievement.

Visits to the school are welcomed by appointment with the Headteacher Please call the school on 01937 844395 to speak with the school office to arrange a visit.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date.

St Mary’s Church of England VC Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well‑being of all children, and expects all our staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The details of the DBS Code of Conduct can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice.The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.