Teaching Assistants

Pay grade:  Point 4-6

FTE £24,404 - £25,183

Actual £18,414 - £19,002

Hours of work: Monday – Friday, 32.5 hours per week, term time only + 5 days

Relief contracts available, to work as and when required to support the needs of the school salary will be paid on an hourly basis) 

Penny Field School is a special school for children and young people aged 2-19 with severe and complex needs. It is a unique setting with incredible young people who deserve the absolute best in care and education that we can provide. We strive to deliver the best curriculum, with the most appropriate resources and equipment in order to support the young people’s journey into adulthood. We are looking to receive applications from dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving the outcomes and life chances of our fantastic students.

Main Duties:

⮚       To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher.

⮚       To support pupils with complex SEND, which include physical, communication, sensory, SEMH and cognition and learning needs.

⮚       Provide general support to staff and pupils, including preparation and routine maintenance of resources/equipment.

⮚       To develop knowledge, skills and understanding of requirements for effective support in a SEN setting

At Penny Field, we offer staff:

⮚       A happy, welcoming, supporting team of staff.

⮚       A commitment to you and your professional development.

⮚       Strong, supportive leadership and staff who put the needs of the pupils first.

⮚       Wonderful pupils who will reward you with many memories that will last throughout your entire career.

If you work with us at Penny Field school, you will be part of a committed and hardworking team that is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the children and young people with which we work.

What our staff say…

“It is a unique, vibrant and caring school.”

“I love working at Penny Field as I have a real feeling of satisfaction when I go home each day that even in the smallest of ways I have helped our students and parents/carers that day.”

“It’s the best place to work.” 

“It feels like a family and everyone cares about everyone. I've never stayed anywhere so long.”

“A place of inspiration for all.”

“It’s a safe, happy place for pupils to learn and grow.”

What our parents/carers say…

“Brilliant school. Really helped A come on and to be the best she can be.”

“It's a great school and the staff are amazing.”

“R has made loads of progress in school and is talking a lot more and now we can understand what he is trying to say.”

“All the staff are amazing!! Can’t fault any of them. J has so much confidence and trust with them all, they’re like his extended family.”

“I cannot praise the school enough as G has come on so much.”

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to the life chances of the children and young people who attend our school. Through a supporting and caring approach, Penny Field School engages pupils through high quality learning experiences that are bespoke to their individual needs. By the time our children leave school, they will have the skills, knowledge and understanding to be as independent as possible and to feel part of the wider community.

We aim to offer all pupils the opportunity to learn and develop in a supportive, nurturing environment. Our vision is to enable pupils to succeed in their learning and improve their communication, interaction, physical and SEMH skills. Almost all students attend the school full time, which encourages a sense of belonging and community.  Our supportive and nurturing environment ensures that pupils feel safe and secure and it enables them to make steps towards their personal outcomes.

For a discussion about the post please contact hannah.duffey@pennyfield.org.uk via email.

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

As you will be working with children, this post requires you to undertake regulated activity. It is an offence to seek to work in regulated activity with a group with which you are barred.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.