SEND Teaching Assistant

Term time + 5 training days (39 weeks)

At Crawshaw Academy, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the barriers they may face.

We are looking for a committed, compassionate and adaptable SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team, supporting students across both our mainstream school and Pathways, our on-site specialist alternative provision.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people whose educational journeys have not always been straightforward. Our students are capable, talented and full of potential, and we are committed to helping every young person become the very best version of themselves.

What makes this opportunity different?

Working across both our mainstream provision and Pathways, you will have the opportunity to support a diverse range of young people and develop your experience of supporting students with additional needs. Pathways provides a more personalised approach for young people who may need additional support to engage with education. The focus is on helping students re-engage with education, build confidence and develop the skills they need to achieve positive outcomes.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Work across both mainstream and Pathways, adapting your approach to meet individual needs
• Build strong, consistent relationships with young people who may need additional support to engage with learning
• Support students who may have experienced disrupted education, helping them rebuild confidence and trust in education
• Help young people recognise their strengths and potential, celebrating progress and achievement along the way
• Be part of a team focused on re-engagement, confidence and progress, both within school and as students move towards their next steps

You will provide practical and emotional support to help students access learning and make progress. This may include working with individuals or small groups, supporting students in lessons, helping them manage challenges and develop positive behaviours, and adapting your approach to meet their individual needs.

You will work closely with teachers, pastoral colleagues and SEND professionals to create safe, structured and nurturing environments where students feel valued, understood and able to succeed. Through strong relationships, consistent support and high expectations, you will help young people develop the skills, resilience and self-belief they need both in school and beyond.

This is an opportunity to join a team where the relationships you build and the support you provide can make a real difference to a young person's experience of education, and you will have the opportunity to see that impact every day.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant or bring transferable experience from youth work, care or another support setting, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

As part of Red Kite Learning Trust, you will join a collaborative network of schools committed to improving outcomes for children and young people. You will benefit from high-quality professional development, opportunities to share expertise across the Trust and the support of a values-driven organisation that places inclusion, wellbeing and excellence at the heart of its work.

Here's what you can expect when you join us:

• Generous pension scheme: Employer contribution rate of 15.30%, plus a wide range of benefits and discounts. Full details HERE
• Flexible working options: We support work-life balance and are open to exploring suitable arrangements
• Supportive environment: We prioritise respect, equality, diversity and wellbeing
• Community culture: Collaboration and generosity are at the heart of our team
• Professional development: We invest in your growth at every stage of your career

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Shares our commitment to the values of respect, integrity and determination, helping every student feel supported, valued and able to succeed
• Has experience working with children or young people, ideally within an educational, youth work, care or support setting
• Builds strong relationships based on trust, consistency and high expectations
• Is patient, calm and adaptable, particularly when supporting young people who may experience challenges with learning, behaviour or emotional regulation
• Has an interest in SEND, SEMH and supporting young people with additional needs
• Is able to work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral colleagues and other professionals

Previous experience in alternative provision is desirable but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates with the right personal qualities, values and motivation to support young people. If you are passionate about helping young people navigate challenges, build confidence and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

Next Steps

Let's Connect: We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about the role, Pathways or Crawshaw Academy before you apply. To arrange a convenient time to speak, please email Jo Bentley at [email removed].

Adjustments: Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please include these within Part Two of our application form under the section 'Disability and Accessibility'.

Applicant Guidance: Red Kite Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer which welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to promoting diversity and want a workforce which reflects the local population of each of our schools. Our recruitment guidelines and privacy notice for applicants can be found HERE.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage early submission. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.