Job Description

The Heath Academy Trust and Sixpenny Handley First School and Nursery are excited to be looking to appoint an energetic, enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant, working predominantly to support the provision in Early Years. Under the direction of the Early Years lead and SENDCo you will be providing one to one support for a pupil with additional needs, working both in the classroom environment and within an individualised workspace.



This role is on a term-time only basis, Monday to Friday. You will initially be required for 15 hours per week, with the hours increasing to 20 hours per week in January 2026 and increasing further to 30 hours per week in April 2026. This is a fixed term contract until 31 August 2026; possibly with the option to extend.



The successful applicant will ideally have a level 3 childcare qualification and will have experience of working with younger children and those who need additional academic, emotional and communication support. Training support will provided for the right candidate to build knowledge of ASD and communication techniques. We will consider all applicants with appropriate skills, passion and commitment for this important role. The successful applicant should want to play a full part in the life of the school as part of a friendly and dedicated team, who are committed to high standards.



Further details about this role can be found on the job description and person specification included in this recruitment pack and more information about the school can be found on our website: www.sixpennyhandleyschool.co.uk. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please contact our school office on 01725 552356 to arrange your visit or discuss the post further.



In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all applications must be completed via the online application form. CVs will not be accepted or considered. References will be sought for all candidates who accept the invitation to interview. Please ensure referees are able to provide a full reference rather than a standard statement of employment time. You should provide the email and telephone contact details for all referees - thank you.



The Heath Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. As part of the safer recruitment check, online searches will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates. The search will be purely based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. All aspects of social media and internet searches will be conducted. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974