The posting
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?
We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive school community. Our school caters for children and young people aged 2 to 19, providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to achieve their individual potential.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to provide high-quality support to pupils with a range of primary needs, helping them to access learning, develop their independence and enjoy positive experiences at school.
You will:
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils, both in and outside of the classroom.
- Support pupils to access learning and participate fully in school life.
- Help develop pupils' confidence, independence, communication and social skills.
- Follow individual education and support plans, adapting activities to meet pupils' needs.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
- Work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals to provide consistent support.
- Support pupils with their personal, social and emotional development where required.
- Promote positive behaviour and help create a calm, safe and welcoming learning environment.
- Contribute to the wider life of the school and work positively as part of a dedicated team.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Caring, patient and compassionate.
- Enthusiastic about supporting children and young people with additional needs.
- Able to build positive relationships with pupils of different ages and abilities.
- Resilient, adaptable and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
- A good communicator who can work effectively as part of a team
- Committed to inclusion and ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.
- Willing to learn and develop their knowledge and skills.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Our pupils would like someone who is: Funny, happy, caring, keeps us safe and helps us to learn!"
We value……. Community – Resilience – Wellbeing – Respect - Empowerment
At the Russett School we seek to prepare our learners for life through prioritising skills required to meet their full potential. Through our specialist curriculum, our children and young people are empowered through a strong emphasis on the development of individual communication strategies and life skills. Our Russett team provide enriching and safe environments, where our pupils are encouraged to develop independence, whilst promoting well-being for a happy and fulfilled future.
The Russett School is a specialist setting registered for pupils aged 2 to 19 years whose primary need is associated with having a Severe Learning Difficulty (also known as SLD) and/or Complex Learning Needs. We are also part of Shaw Education Trust.
Our curriculum is bespoke. This means that it has been carefully designed specifically for learners who have SLD. It has been written to meet the varying needs of pupils who first and foremost have a severe impairment in relation to their cognitive function and or learning ability.
The Russett School also supports pupils who may have further needs in addition to their severe learning difficulty. For example; some of our pupils have severe communication and interaction needs.
Pupils at Russett undertake learning activities within classes in mixed ability groups of around 11 pupils with peers similar in age.
Class sizes are generally supported by 4 adult adults (one class teacher and three Teaching Assistants).
All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values—opportunity, integrity, community, and equity—guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.
Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools
Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Every pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and celebrated.
Join us and help transform lives, including your own.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £19,919-£20,554
Working hours: 32.5 per week – 38 weeks plus 5 Inset Days (working 39 weeks)
