Job Description

riory (Aspire), Thurston 32 hours per week, 39 weeks per year Monday - Friday (8:30 - 15:15) Maternity cover contract, commencing January 2026 Salary: 25,584 per annum Actual Salary: 18,782 per annum
We are looking for a Special Teaching Assistant (STA) to join our team, supporting students with complex moderate learning difficulties alongside social, emotional and mental health challenges. This role is central to helping our students access learning in a way that supports their communication, independence, and personal growth.

Working alongside teachers and other professionals, you will help deliver structured and personalised lessons, provide focused literacy and numeracy support, and contribute to the development of individual learning plans. You will also assist students in developing confidence and everyday life skills, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and safe within their learning environment.

The role includes supporting daily routines, maintaining accurate records of progress, and providing personal care when required. Building consistent, trusting relationships with students is a key part of the role, as is modelling calm, respectful interactions that promote a positive school culture.

We are seeking someone with experience of working with children or young people, ideally within a SEND or SEMH setting, who demonstrates empathy, patience, and reliability. A commitment to overcoming barriers to learning and providing a secure and caring environment is essential.

This is an opportunity to be part of a thoughtful, collaborative team that places the wellbeing and development of every child at the heart of what we do.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme Family friendly policies and flexible working Access to our Employee Assistance Programme Employee wellbeing initiatives Free parking Canteen Company events Access to various memberships and discount schemes Learning and development opportunities - including staff development days Funded subject course development for your role Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities Career progression opportunities
Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND APPLY DIRECTLY VIA OUR PORTAL. WE CANNOT ACCEPT INDEED APPLICATIONS OR CVS AS A FORMAL APPLICATION, THANK YOU.

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal - if you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing Date:

8.00am on Wednesday 5th November

Interviews:

To be held shortly thereafter

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: 25,584.00 per year

Work Location: In person