Dedicated Teaching Assistant
About This Role
We are looking to recruit a talented, motivational, and inspiring individual to provide teachers and the SEN team with practical support for a fixed term contract. You will work either individually or with small groups of children to promote positive learning and behaviour.
A passion and interest in supporting all children in a school setting is essential. This is an immensely rewarding role in its own right but also provides good experience for anyone considering training as a teacher.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
- be organised, flexible and reliable, with the ability to work with students in a professional and appropriate way
- be well-motivated and keen to show their enthusiasm for the role
- introduce work to students, set by a subject specialist, and support the students with their learning in the absence of the classroom teacher
- issue (not setting) work, managing behaviour, responding to students' general queries and ensuring students are working to their full potential
- contribute to the development of the department as part of a dedicated team
- have a professional attitude that is open to innovative ways of working
- be flexible and adaptable when faced with challenges
In return, you’ll enjoy:
Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
- Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
- Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
- Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
- Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.
- Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme
About Us - The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are judged by ALPS to be red hot, reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Application Details - We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school. Please apply via My New Term and for more information, please contact recruitment@thedownsschool.org,
Closing date: 23 November 2026, 8am