SEND Senior Teaching Assistant

Post:                          SEND Senior Teaching Assistant
Salary Grade:          Grade G, SCP 19 to 23, £32,061 to £34,434
Actual Salary: Based on term time working 196 days £27,609 to £29,652
Responsible to:      SENDCO

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Senior Teaching
Assistant to lead Autism and supporting ARMS provision, and work in partnership with
teaching and other SEND Team staff. You will support the learning, engagement and
progress of SEND pupils in a range of contexts.

The SEND Senior Teaching Assistant will:
● Work with class teachers and other Teaching Assistants to ensure SEND pupils
engage in learning and make good progress;
● Lead the support interventions for communication and Interaction difficulties such as
Autism.
● Develop expertise in Communication and Interaction support and promote best
practice throughout the school within that area of specialism;
● Line Manage other teaching assistants and mentor an apprentice to develop their
skills within your area of specialism;
● Promote pupils’ independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;
● Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the
curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;
● Act as a Key Worker for a number of SEND pupils, maintaining regular contact with
parents / carers;
● Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills,
knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of
SEND pupils within their subjects;
● Be linked to and support a faculty with SEND intervention and teaching strategies,
developing expertise in specific subject areas;
● Support the SENDCO in managing the day to day activity of the ARMS (Additionally,
Resourced, Maintained School) provision.

The SEND department in Whickham is exceptional, with a reputation for adopting a person
centred approach to overcome any barriers a young person may face. The successful
candidate will work in an exciting, fast-paced and highly motivated, yet supportive
environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour,
engagement and academic outcomes. At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and
ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs.
We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils,
ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum.

SEND is seen as a whole-school issue, hence the responsibility of everyone. Every teacher
is a teacher of every young person, including those with SEND or any other additional need.
We work closely with our children, families and a wide range of professionals to ensure the
best possible educational and holistic outcomes.
Our aim is to ensure every young person is the best they can be and whilst we’ve already
achieved much in achieving our goal, we continue to strive to be better. We’re proud of our good reputation within the region and positive feedback we receive from students, parents,
staff and external organisations such as Ofsted.

The role is 37 hours per week in term time. Hours of work are 8.20am – 4.20pm Monday –
Thursday and 8.20am – 3.50pm on a Friday.

Please contact Gemma Mckenzie
(gmckenzie@whickhamschool.org) if you wish to arrange a visit.

Application forms are available on the Whickham School website
Please email your completed application to recruitment@whickhamschool.org by 9.00am on
1st October 2025.

● Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our
students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment.
● We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to
their role at induction and throughout employment with the school.
● This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service
criminal records check for work with children.