Teaching Assistant

Part of the Unity Schools Partnership

Tel: 01440 333400

Email: hrhelpdesk@unitysp.co.uk

Website: https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/290059NFK

• Salary - NJC Scale 3 SP 5–6, £18,500 - £18,794 actual pa (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE)
• Permanent
• Part Time
• 32 hours per week
• Term Time plus 1 week
• Required for 1 September 2026

We have a unique and extremely exciting opportunity to be part of the founding team of a brand-new school. We are looking to appoint a teaching assistant, who will play a central role supporting the growth and development of the school. Our school opened in September 2025 to a reception cohort and will expand in September to welcome another cohort of pupils. Depending on the strengths of the candidates, we anticipate this role will initially be in Year 1.

As part of the Unity Schools Partnership multi-academy trust, the school will be part of a collaborative, forward thinking group of 40 schools. Silfield Oak Primary Academy opened with 30 pupils in the first year and will grow to 60 pupils in the second year. Eventually, the school will have the capacity for 420 pupils. Hours of Work: 8.45am-3.30pm Mon, Weds, Thurs and Fri, 8.45am- 4.30pm Tues.

The role will include:

• Supporting the class teacher
• Supporting children with learning and development, including pupils with SEND
• Attending training and implementing this into practice
• Supporting children with SEND to access the curriculum
• Working in a strong and caring team with children at the heart of everything
• A school which endorses the hygge approach, with exceptional facilities, and promotes staff wellbeing
• Working with wonderful children and families

The ideal candidate would have:

• Experience of working in a primary school
• Experience and knowledge of supporting children with the strong foundations of phonics, handwriting and maths
• A strong understanding of high-quality interactions with children
• A strong understanding of the development of young children
• A kind nature and the dedication to support all children to thrive
• High expectations of all children
• A record of excellent attendance
• A record of professional development linked to the role
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to build strong and positive relationships with the school community

For an informal discussion prior to making in application, please contact Emily McMillen, headteacher, - headteacher@silfieldoak.org.uk

If you are a current employee of Unity Schools Partnership, to apply please click here. Closing date 6 May 2026*.

How to apply

A job description is available from ‘Attachments’.

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our Trust’s website to apply.

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Closing date: 13 May 2026, 9am *

Interview date: 18 May 2026

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.