1:1 TEACHING ASSISTANT (Supporting a Child with Down’s Syndrome)

The Rosary Catholic Primary School, Stroud

Hours: 17.5hrs per week (term time only), either 8.40am until 12.10pm, or 12pm until 3.30pm
Start date: 1^st September 2026
Contract: Fixed term (named pupil)

Salary: Dependant on experience and qualifications
Location: The Rosary Catholic Primary School, Stroud

Are you compassionate, committed and ready to make a life‑changing difference?

The Rosary Catholic Primary School is seeking two dedicated, skilled and nurturing 1:1 Teaching Assistants to provide high‑quality support for a child with Down’s Syndrome. This is a unique and rewarding role, ideal for someone who is passionate about inclusive education and committed to helping every child thrive.

You will work closely with the class teacher, SEN Lead and a team of specialist therapists to ensure the pupil can access the curriculum, communicate effectively, develop independence and flourish socially and emotionally.

About the Role

As our 1:1 Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day.
• Use a total communication approach, including Makaton, visuals, objects of reference and clear modelling of language.
• Support daily Speech & Language Therapy practice sessions and implement therapy strategies throughout all learning.
• Support the pupil’s social interaction, turn‑taking, emotional regulation and play skills using personalised strategies.
• Support the delivery of Occupational Therapy and sensory regulation activities under professional guidance.
• Use adapted teaching resources, pre‑teach vocabulary, and break activities into small, achievable steps.
• Work with physiotherapists to support physical development, strength, balance and safe movement.
• Support the pupil with self‑care routines, emotional wellbeing and independence skills.
• Collaborate with families and maintain consistent communication.

This is a highly specialised role where relationship‑building, patience and consistency are key.

Training and Support Provided

All required training will be funded and includes:

• Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS) or Ups & Downs Southwest Down’s Syndrome training.
• Makaton Levels 1–3.
• Training from SaLT, OT and Physiotherapy specialists.
• PECS/TOBI/AAC communication training.
• Vision impairment adaptation strategies.
• Paediatric First Aid and Intimate Care training.

You will be fully supported by the SENDCo, SEN Lead and Inclusion team.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Warm, patient and committed to inclusion
• Able to build a trusting, secure relationship with a young child
• A clear communicator and a reflective practitioner
• Calm, reliable and able to follow specialist programmes
• Willing to undertake required training (Makaton, PADS, therapy‑led training)
• Positive, creative and enthusiastic about helping a child succeed

Experience supporting children with SEND—particularly communication or developmental needs—is desirable but not essential —your attitude, empathy and willingness to learn matter most.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, friendly and nurturing school community
• Excellent professional development and specialist training
• The chance to work closely with an exceptional multidisciplinary team
• A role that genuinely transforms a child’s educational journey

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged.

Please contact our Office Manager, Mrs Mace, at admin@rosary.gloucs.sch.uk for further information or to arrange a visit.

Please complete an application form by 4pm on Wednesday 29th April 2026. Due to the nature of the role, we will need to seek references before the day of interview.

The post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and all convictions or cautions must be declared.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, and volunteers, to share the same commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitability check to satisfy child protection requirements.