Specialist Trust Teaching Assistant Required

Do you want to change lives, whilst also having the opportunity to build a rewarding career?

We are seeking a number of Teaching Assistants to support growing student numbers, to join the education team in our specialist school and college. This role is based in Cranleigh, Surrey.

You can earn up to £27,981 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) as a Teaching Assistant, dependent on your qualifications and experience. There is also an additional

£1,000 Retention Bonus.

The Role

A Teaching Assistant position here is very different from a mainstream TA role. You will be supporting students, aged 5-19, with severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and often challenging behaviours, helping them access therapy-based education. With your compassion and guidance, you will help our students learn and achieve the greatest possible level of independence relative to their complex needs and help prepare them for life beyond school or college.

• Class Size: Classes have between 5 and 11 students. They are grouped by ability and to meet their social needs rather than age.

• Curriculum: Students learn core skills including numeracy, literacy and science, as well as life and living skills including cookery and gardening. Many students follow a personalised timetable.

• Communication: Some of our students are non-verbal and use alternative means of communication, including Makaton, signs, symbols or communications aids, often using a multi-sensory approach.

• Challenges: Supporting our students can sometimes be challenging. You will need to guide them through frustration, anxiety, and emotion by helping them to manage their feelings and behaviour.

• Personal Care: Some of our students may need personal care. You must be prepared to provide personal care for some students who require assistance to stay clean and comfortable, but full training will be given.

What We Are Looking For

You don't need experience to apply. You do need empathy and compassion.

Essential qualities include:

• Physical and mental resilience and a "can do" attitude.

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Common Sense:

• Communication skills:

• Patience:

Salary and Hours

• Actual Salary (Pro Rata): £20,224 - £21,032 for 39 weeks (term time plus CPD days).

• FTE Salary: £23,580 - £24,521 (based on 36 hours over 52 weeks).

• Progression: This rises for a Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the TA apprenticeship (paid for by us) and 2 years with the Trust, to a pro rata salary of £21,851 - £23,999 (£25,476 - £27,981 FTE).

• Higher Level Roles: It's also possible to apply for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles as they become available, with unqualified HLTA starting salaries from £23,999 (£27,981 FTE) or qualified from £27,715 (£32,313 FTE).

• Hours: School hours are 36 per week:

What We Offer

• A two year nationally accredited TA qualification paid for by the Trust with dedicated training

• £1,000 Retention Bonus: £250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months at Trust.

• Comprehensive training and mentoring, including learning about safeguarding, autism, and positive behaviour support.

• All TAs take part in a twice-weekly TA training package that includes theory and practical sessions and leads to a teaching apprentice qualification

• Excellent career progression opportunities and a personalised approach to CPD.

• Life Assurance and Medical Cashplan (after a qualifying period).

• Free hot lunch during term time

• Ample free on-site parking.

• Employee assistance service (confidential, professional wellbeing and counselling 24/7 service for you and your family members)

• Excellent network of support across the organisation including a team of Adult Mental Health First Aid and Occupational Health

• Ongoing support from a skilled and dedicated team, including on-site Team Teach tutors.

We are based on a beautiful 23-acre site in a semi-rural area on the edge of the Surrey Hills (own transport is desirable).

How to Apply

Apply now or call Paul Hirchfield on 01293 527416 for a confidential discussion. paul.hirchfield@randstadeducation.co.uk

(We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. All successful applicants will be subject to a full DBS check.)