Learning Support Assistant(s)

NJC Grade 4 points 6-7 (pay award pending)

Part Time Term Time (32.50 hrs) – Permanent,/Temporary 

Commencing: ASAP 

Closing Date: 16th April 2026 @ 12:00 midday

Interviews scheduled for: w/b 20th April 2026

Castlewood School is a nurturing, inclusive community for primary and secondary pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Split across Lower School (Primary & KS3) and Upper School (KS3 & KS4), we support around 100 pupils, each encouraged to discover their strengths, build self-worth and develop a love of learning. Our dedicated team is driven by high expectations, compassionate practice, and a commitment to helping every child thrive.

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant who can start as soon as available to join our supportive and skilled staff team. The successful candidate will bring confidence and experience in working with Upper Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 pupils, ideally within an SEMH setting.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting pupils in Upper KS2 or KS3
• Ideally has worked with children or young people with SEMH needs
• Understands and values trauma-informed practice
• Promotes positive mental health and wellbeing
• Can confidently manage behaviours that challenge in a regulated, relational way
• Is a strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Is passionate about working in education and committed to making a difference in an SEMH school environment

Our school works with some of the ‘most difficult’ pupils to engage in learning, so if you relish a challenge then we are the place for you. The school is actively moving forward and improving in all ways, making it a dynamic environment to be in. We can guarantee that every day will be different to the last and there is rarely a dull moment.

The successful candidate will be:

·       A qualified and effective practitioner

• Able to meet all the requirements for safeguarding children
• Organised and a good communicator
• Creative and inspirational in their teaching
• Committed to developing self and others
• Friendly, hardworking, motivated
• Willing to learn and progress their own professional development

Candidates should also:

• Be committed to making a difference to the future of our pupils
• Sustain the highest levels of quality learning support
• Demonstrate high levels of passion and energy
• Share ideas and expertise
• Have an ability to work both as a member of a team and alone
• Have knowledge and experience of Special Educational Needs
• Be able to determine priorities and manage time effectively

Benefits of working with Castlewood School

The successful candidate will:

·          Take part in an ongoing CPD program

·          Improve as a practitioner

·          Work within a small supportive team environment

To Apply

Please follow the link to Mynewterm and register with them to be able to complete an application form, to tell us what you can bring to the role and why you feel Castlewood School is a good match for you. 

Further information

Closing date is 16^th April 2026 at 12 noon, shortlisting will be completed on the afternoon of this date, therefore applications received after the deadline will not be included.  Interviews are scheduled to take place w/b 20^th April December 2025.

For a further discussion about this position or to arrange a visit to the school please contact James Birch (Asst Headteacher i/c Upper School), or Martin Richmond (Asst Head i/c Lower School) 0121 748 9760.

Castlewood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, Online checks and satisfactory references prior to interview

By engaging in this recruitment process, shortlisted candidates consent to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance 2023

Safeguarding policy/Child Protection/Safer Recruitment policy can be found on our website https://castlewoodschool.co.uk/our-school/school-policies/

The policy on the employment of ex-offenders can be found on our website – via the Manor Hall Trust Policies link, see the Safer Recruitment Policy

We are Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of the community.