Job Title: Teaching Assistant SEN Allowance Salary: £18483 - £19033 per annum Hours: 30 Location: Defford-cum-Besford CE First School Permanent We are seeking a passionate and committed Teaching Assistant to join our school who will provide support to an individual named child, helping them thrive both academically and socially, and also assisting across a whole class. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of child development and effective strategies for supporting behavior in a nurturing environment. You will support children’s learning and development in both whole class settings and 1:1 scenarios, providing tailored assistance to children with additional needs. You will foster a positive and creative learning atmosphere. Under the guidance of the SENCo and teaching staff, you will help to bridge communication gaps, foster confidence, and ensure inclusivity within the learning environment. Accountabilities • Have a sound knowledge and understanding of supporting children with high levels of need and its impact. • Support a range of pupil’s understanding through use of appropriate communication and scaffolds. • Encourage the pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others, and engage in learning activities. • Within the context of teacher led planning, set challenging expectations and promote self-esteem and independence. • Liaise with the class teacher in lesson planning, evaluating, adapting and adjusting lessons and work plans as appropriate. • Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against pre-determined learning objectives. • Provide the Class teacher and other staff involved with the children accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence. • Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing with challenging behaviour in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. • Assist with supervision out of lesson times as required, including break times. Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The County Council has a commitment to safeguarding service users in our care. Equality & Diversity: We are committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents. Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. Applications to be received by email only to the office email address using the Local Authority Non-Teaching Appointment Application Form Application Closing Date: Friday 17th April 2026 Anticipated Interview Date: Friday 24th April 2026 Attached documents Person Spec March 2026.pdf Job Description for Teaching Assistant 2026.pdf Maintained School application form - SUPPORT STAFF, updated Sept 2022.docx