Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Location:        St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Duckpool Lane, Whickham, NE16

Grade:               Grade E SCP 8-11 (£26,823 – £28,141 per annum, pro rata)

Hours:               1 role at 35 hours per week, Permanent, TT + 1 week (39 weeks per year)

                           1 role at 25 hours per week – to be worked over 5 days (times to be agreed with successful candidate), Permanent TT + 1 week (39 week per year)

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a vibrant one-form entry primary school in Whickham, Gateshead serving the communities of St Mary’s, Whickham and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lobley Hill.  We aim to develop the talents of each pupil as a unique individual whose full potential can be developed in a community which has Christ at its centre.

We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, a family of secondary, middle, primary and first schools in Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland. Bishop Wilkinson is the largest catholic education trust in the North East of England and will have a total of 48 schools. This is an exciting time to join our supportive, and growing team.

We are keen to appoint two committed, highly motivated and effective Level 3 Teaching Assistants to support, nurture and inspire our pupils to achieve their full potential as outlined in our Mission Statement.  The successful candidate would play a key role in supporting teaching and learning for all pupils, which may include those with an EHCP or identified additional needs.

We are seeking an individual to:

• Supports the care, development and education of all pupils, including those with EHCPs or additional needs
• Provides high‑quality support for learning, working 1:1 or with small groups to enable pupils to make progress
• Works collaboratively with the Class Teacher and SENDCo to plan, deliver and adapt learning programmes
• Helps to establish a positive, well‑organised and engaging learning environment
• Monitors and evaluates pupil responses to learning activities and contributes to assessment and pupil progress records
• Contributes to EHCP targets, pupil reports and liaises with external agencies where appropriate
• Acts as a positive link between home and school
• Supervises pupils at breaktimes and lunchtimes
• Meets personal care needs, including some manual handling, where required
• Administers first aid, where trained, and always places safeguarding at the centre of their practice

The successful candidate will have:

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification (or equivalent qualification e.g. NNEB)
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• A good understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes
• Knowledge of the effective use of ICT to support learning – computer, video, photocopier and basic clerical skills;
• Knowledge of national/foundation stage curriculum and other effective learning strategies
• Experience supporting children with general and specific learning difficulties
• The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team

We offer:

• A warm and supportive school environment
• The opportunity to work with polite, motivated and enthusiastic pupils
• A highly committed staff team who work closely together
• Access to training and development opportunities through the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
• A role where your contribution truly makes a difference to children’s lives

If you are passionate about nurturing children’s learning, wellbeing and personal development, and wish to play a meaningful role within a caring Catholic school community, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For an application form and further details about this vacancy please visit our website  http://bwcet.com/vacancies/ where applications can be completed online.

Closing date: Sunday 17^th May 2026 at 23:59

Shortlisting date: Monday 18^th May 2026

Interview date: TBC

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.