Our Teaching Assistants are at the heart of school life. You will help children and young people with complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn. No two days are quite the same, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact.
You do not need to have worked in a school or hold a Teaching Assistant qualification. Experience from care, residential support, community work or supporting a family member is just as welcome. What matters most is your approach to children, your willingness to learn and the care you bring. We would also love to hear from experienced and qualified Teaching Assistants.
You will work with children from early years to Key Stage 2 as part of a supportive class team. We provide induction, training and mentoring, and support you to work towards Teaching Assistant qualifications.
Pay
Grade E, SCP 8-11 (£24,056 - £25,238 per annum) if you hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or have equivalent experience. Grade D, SCP 6-7 (£23,307 - £23,678 per annum) if you do not. Salaries are actual, for term-time-only working, at rates from 1 April 2026. All posts also receive the Special School Allowance of £1,590 per annum (pro rata to term time only).
Full time, term time only (37 hours per week, 195 days). Fixed-term maternity cover (2 posts), 1 year. Start: November 2026, or as soon as possible.
What you will do
- Build warm, trusting and professional relationships so every child feels safe, valued and understood
- Support children to access learning, develop communication and confidence, and become as independent as possible
- Respond calmly and consistently to behaviour that may challenge, seeking to understand what children are communicating
- Support personal care, health and physical wellbeing with dignity and respect, following individual plans and training
- Work closely with the class teacher and team, sharing what you notice about children's learning, progress and wellbeing
- Help prepare and look after classrooms, outdoor areas and therapeutic spaces
- Join in with school life, including trips, activities and daily routines
What we are looking for
Essential
- Good literacy and numeracy for the role
- Experience of supporting, caring for or building positive relationships with others, from work, volunteering or personal life
- Warm, patient and emotionally resilient, able to stay calm in challenging situations
- Understanding that every child has their own strengths, needs and ways of communicating
- Willingness to learn about SEND through training
Desirable
- Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3), Level 3 childcare or other relevant training
- Level 2 English and maths (GCSE 4/C or Functional Skills)
- Experience in education, care or residential settings, or supporting children with SEND
The full job description and person specification can be downloaded from this vacancy page.
Keeping children safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share that commitment. Any offer is subject to an enhanced DBS check, right-to-work checks, satisfactory references and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer.
Additional info
If you would like more information or to arrange a visit to see our school, please email Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher (joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk) or Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader (gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk).
Closing date: Friday 6 November 2026, 12 noon.
Interviews: Wednesday 18 November 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply early.