SEND Teaching Assistant

Post:                           SEND Teaching Assistant
Salary Grade:          Grade F SCP 14-19

£29,540 to £32,061 pro rata to term time only
Actual salary £25,307 to £27,467

Contract: Fixed term for one year
Responsible to:      SENDCO

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant
to 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.

SEND Teaching Assistants will:
● Work with class teachers to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good
progress;
● 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;
● Develop expertise in two specific aspects of SEND.

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. In January 2025 Ofsted
recognised the strength of our SEND team and said students with SEND receive highly
effective, bespoke support to develop their communication skills and prepare them for adult
life.

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 outcomes.

Our aim is to ensure every young person is the best they can be and whilst we have already
achieved much in achieving our goal, we recognise that there is so much more we can do.
We are 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.