Senior Teaching Assistant (Inclusion)

St Mark's CofE Junior School is a welcoming and inclusive Church of England school for children aged 7 to 11. At St Mark's, we see ourselves as a family that nurtures, supports and values every individual who comes through our doors. Through strong leadership, high expectations and a shared commitment to lifelong learning, we create a caring environment where everyone matters and every child is encouraged to flourish.

We work relentlessly to provide the very best education and opportunities for our pupils. We are driven by a simple belief:

"We will not rest until our good is better and our better is best."

As part of our commitment to providing exceptional support for all learners, we are seeking to appoint two dedicated and compassionate Senior Teaching Assistants to join our team.

About the Role

As a Senior Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils' educational, emotional and social development, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Working under the direction of teachers and other professionals, you will provide tailored support to individual pupils, small groups and whole classes, while helping to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

This role is particularly suited to someone with experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those who have experienced trauma.

We are looking for someone who will:

1. Provide targeted support to individual pupils and groups, enabling them to develop essential learning, social and life skills.
2. Support children with SEMH needs and trauma-informed approaches, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
3. Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on the use of the Thrive Approach and effective strategies for supporting emotional development.
4. Lead and deliver targeted interventions, monitoring and reporting on pupil progress.
5. Support pupils with personal care and wellbeing needs where required.
6. Help all pupils access the curriculum and achieve positive outcomes.
7. Observe, assess and record pupil progress, contributing to Individual Development Plans and reviews.
8. Deliver learning activities to individuals, groups and whole classes, adapting provision to meet differing needs.
9. Lead the class team in the absence of the class teacher when required.
10. Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, therapists and external professionals to support pupil development.
11. Uphold safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing standards at all times.
12. Provide classroom cover as required.

What We're Looking For

We would love to hear from candidates who have:

Essential

1. A Level 3 qualification (vocational or equivalent).
2. Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy (or equivalent).
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Experience supporting children in an educational or care setting.
5. Experience working with pupils with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
6. A nurturing, patient and emotionally intelligent approach.
7. The ability to manage behaviour positively and sensitively.
8. Strong digital and ICT skills.
9. The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
10. A commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

Desirable

1. Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
2. Thrive Practitioner training (or willingness to undertake this training).
3. Training in interventions such as ELSA, Lego Therapy or Zones of Regulation.
4. Paediatric First Aid and/or Safeguarding qualifications.
5. SEND-specific qualifications or specialist knowledge.
6. Experience leading groups of pupils or colleagues.
7. Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification.

Working Across Two Schools

These roles will be required to work across both St Mark's CofE Junior School and Wyndham Park Infant School, providing valuable support to pupils and staff across both settings.

Part of Brunel Academies Trust

St Mark's is proud to be part of Brunel Academies Trust, a thriving educational community with a shared vision:

"No barriers. Only potential."

Together, we are committed to improving life chances and outcomes for children and young people across our SEND, mainstream and Church of England provisions.

Training and Development

We want every colleague to feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. We offer:

1. High-quality professional development and training.
2. Opportunities to develop specialist SEND and SEMH expertise.
3. Support to achieve further qualifications.
4. A collaborative and supportive team environment.

Employee Benefits

Brunel Academies Trust offers an excellent benefits package, including:

1. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
2. Brunel Perks employee discount scheme.
3. Carefirst Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling and wellbeing support.
4. Excellent pension scheme.
5. Free on-site parking.
6. Annual pay progression opportunities.
7. Recognition of continuous service.

Visits Welcome

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit our school to see first-hand the wonderful learning environment we provide and to meet our inspiring pupils and dedicated team.

Please explore our website and contact the school office to arrange a visit.

Interview Information

Interviews: Applications will be considered upon receipt.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Safeguarding

Brunel Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and satisfactory pre-employment checks.

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Brunel Academies Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident employer.