Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about helping young people with special educational needs thrive at school? We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our growing SEND team at Lift New Rickstones, supporting students across the SEN department to access learning, build confidence and develop greater independence.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work as part of our SEN team, providing flexible classroom support and targeted interventions to students with a range of special educational needs.

You will support students with a range of needs, helping them engage positively with learning, develop confidence and independence, and participate fully in school life. Working closely with teaching and SEND colleagues, you will adapt your support to meet the needs of different students across the department.

Our SEND department has grown significantly and is well positioned to deliver high-quality support for our students. This is an exciting time to join as we continue to develop our team, resources and opportunities for students.

Key responsibilities

• Provide effective support to students with SEND across the department
• Support students to access learning and participate positively in lessons
• Deliver targeted interventions in line with students' individual needs
• Support students with a range of learning, communication and developmental needs
• Support positive social interactions, wellbeing and engagement
• Encourage students' confidence, independence and engagement throughout the school day
• Work collaboratively with teachers and SEND colleagues to support positive outcomes

What we're looking for

We value the skills and dedication of our Teaching Assistants, and ideally you will hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent.

If you don't yet hold this qualification, don't worry. We'll invest in your development by enrolling you on our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.

You will also bring:

• A genuine commitment to supporting young people with special educational needs
• A patient, caring and supportive approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with students
• A commitment to inclusion and helping every student achieve their potential
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider teaching and SEND team

About our school

Lift New Rickstones is graded ‘Good' (November 2023) and has a state-of-the-art building offering fantastic facilities for both students and staff. Over the last eight years, the school has seen a significant increase in student numbers, with the number of students on roll more than doubling. The school is a popular choice in the local area, is oversubscribed, and has added another new building to meet this demand.

Lift New Rickstones is a great place to work, with a friendly and supportive team. Staff numbers have also increased, and the school is proud to boast high retention rates. Development is a priority, with an extensive and successful CPD programme to further develop our excellent staff.

Every member of staff is a vital part of our committed and ambitious team, and we have been very successful at developing teachers and leaders with progression both within and beyond the school.

Our Curriculum Drivers guide everything we do, encouraging students to be safe, happy and proud, and to reach their full potential.

Ambition sits at the heart of our curriculum. We are committed to high expectations for all and to providing the right scaffolding and support so that every student, whatever their starting point, can achieve their very best.

Character underpins our pastoral care, our TPP approach and our behaviour systems. It is about more than rules and routines; it is about developing resilience, responsibility and integrity, helping students to learn from mistakes and grow into confident, respectful young people.

Opportunity ensures that all students benefit from rich personal development and enrichment, both within and beyond the classroom. We want every young person to recognise the possibilities open to them and to leave us equipped with the knowledge, experiences and confidence to take their next steps.

Why join Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Zoe Cruci, SENDCO, at zcruci@liftnewrickstones.org.

This role is 30.5 hours per week, with an immediate start.