What skills and experience we're looking for We are seeking a proactive, enthusiastic, and committed Teaching Assistant with a strong background/interest in the field of SEN and Disability. A particular interest in supporting the learning of pupils with SLD/ASD who have challenging behaviours linked to their disability would be an advantage, as would experience of supporting the learning of children and young people with PMLD. The school would very much welcome applications from graduates with a degree in a relevant field, who have a strong interest in this sector, and/or who might be considering a teaching career. Similarly, although this is an unqualified post, we would welcome applications from strong candidates who are currently enrolled on an NVQ3 course in Supporting Teaching and Learning (STL) or similar, or who are actively thinking of applying for this in the near future, since there will be opportunities for career progression within the school. If in doubt about your suitability for this post, please contact Patricia Lewis (Headteacher) before you apply, as below. The focus of a TA1 post at our school is to support personalised learning at all levels, as part of a team - this includes teaching, learning, assessment, behaviour management, and care; TA1s support especially the physical management and care of the pupils, alongside pupil/student assistants. The successful candidate will be expected to be proactive in seeking and developing their own CPD. The school provides training in areas such as Communication, Makaton, PSHE/RSE, Behaviour and Physical Intervention (NCC Approach), Moving and Handling, and Personal and Intimate Care (see appendix) to maximise access to learning. We also ensure access to multi-disciplinary training in physical management, and health tasks such as gastrostomy feeds, as appropriate. What the school offers its staff Oak Field School is a Special School for 166 pupils aged 3-19 with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities, broadly SLD (severe learning difficulties) and PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties). This includes some pupils with challenging behaviours linked to SLD, some pupils with ASC, and some pupils with sensory and/or complex health needs. This is a permanent full-time post, to start on Monday 13th April 2026, or as soon as possible afterwards; there is also the possibility of a temporary post. Working hours for this post are Mon-Fri 8.50am-3.50pm, with 30 minutes lunchbreak. Since Oak Field is a unique specialised educational setting, we strongly advise that before you apply for this post you have a detailed look at our website (oakfieldschool.org.uk), especially the 4-minute video and the Learning At Home tab, then have an informal telephone conversation with Patricia Lewis (Headteacher) to discuss this post. This opportunity is therefore available between 9.30am and 5pm, and we cannot stress enough how important this is, to support your application. Applications close on: Wednesday 25th February at 9am Provisional interview date: Later that week For the Personal Statement section of the application form, please write a covering letter (2 sides max)outlining your experience, knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to this post. Please note: Due to the NCC salary for this post, this post does not qualify for NCC Visa sponsorship. Further details about the role Although TAs work in a specific class, candidates are appointed to the school, rather than to a specific KS, to a particular area of Learning Difficulty, or to a particular pupil (class placement changes annually, by negotiation), and are expected to participate actively in the wider life and enrichment activities of the school. Commitment to safeguarding Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.