The posting
Post: SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: SAIL Academy, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 9HS
FTE Salary Range: NJC Grade F Pt 9-11; £28,153 - £29,542
Actual Salary Range: £21,160 - £22,204
Contract Type: Permanent, part time, term time only (39 weeks per year)
Contract Hours: 31.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs to achieve their full potential?
SAIL Academy (Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learning) is looking for a dedicated and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join our growing specialist school community. This is a rewarding opportunity to work with pupils aged 4 to 19 with Autism and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for life beyond education.
About the role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support pupils in the classroom, small groups and on a 1:1 basis.
- Deliver targeted interventions to develop literacy, numeracy, communication and social skills.
- Use autism-friendly strategies such as TEACCH, visual supports and personalised learning approaches.
- Help pupils regulate emotions, manage anxiety and develop positive wellbeing.
- Promote independence, confidence and resilience.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
- Work alongside teachers and specialist professionals to help pupils achieve their individual goals.
About the successful candidate
Has experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly Autism and/or SEMH needs.
Understands social communication differences and strategies that support autistic learners.
Can build strong relationships based on trust, consistency and respect.
Is patient, resilient and adaptable.
Has excellent communication and listening skills.
Is committed to creating inclusive learning experiences for every child.
Holds GCSE English and Maths (Grade 5/C or equivalent).
About the School
SAIL (Salisbury Academy for Inspiration Learners) is a day specialist provider of education in Salisbury, Wiltshire for children and young people aged from 4 to 19 years who have a diagnosis of autism or an SEMH profile.
SAIL’s aim is to build safe independent lives for the autistic and SEMH population through a process of understanding, support, and enablement. To achieve this goal the school will look at the unique impact autism and social, emotional, and mental health experiences has on the individual child. From this we aim as a school to personalise the child’s curriculum, care, and therapeutic package to ensure every child achieves and experiences success and independence.
This key intent is underpinned by a number of principles. We will ensure that all children make progress, we build and foster positive relationships with parents and carers, put pupil voice at the heart of everything and support all children so they trust, feel safe and secure. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding including dedicated education, care and therapeutic teams.
About the Trust
We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.
We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.
These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.
Those we recruit are able to demonstrate that they share our values, are highly motivated to work with colleagues, within and beyond their school, to continuously develop their skills and pursue professional excellence. Next Steps
If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by calling the Recruitment team on 07759365064 or emailing us at [email protected].
Closing date: for applications is 4th October 2026
Interview Date: Interviews are provisionally booked for week commencing 12th October 2026
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply now’ on the advert.
We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.
Opportunities and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.
We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.
