DescriptionEmployerLocation
Teaching Assistant Level 2 – St Nicholas School
Are you ready for your next step in special education?
Job Title: Teaching Assistant Level 2
Position Type: Permanent
Hours/Weeks: 32.5 hours per week – 8:30-3:30 (5 days per week term time only) + Staff Meetings
Salary: NJC Grade 5, scp 13-15 which is pro rata to hours/weeks working out to £26,521 (scp 13)
Closing Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Shortlisting: 4th and 5th June 2026
Interview Date: Week beginning 22nd June 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Are you passionate about helping children achieve their best? St Nicholas School, Purley is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will support teachers and pupils to ensure every child thrives both academically and personally. You’ll work with individuals and small groups, help prepare learning resources and contribute to a positive, inclusive school environment.
About St Nicholas School
St Nicholas School is a specialist provision dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential.
Our school offers tailored Pathways designed to meet the diverse needs of our pupils, ensuring that each child follows a curriculum route that is ambitious, personalised and appropriate for their individual learning journey. Our curriculum focuses not only on academic progress but also on Personal Development and Life Skills, equipping our pupils with the knowledge, confidence and independence they need to thrive both in school and in their future lives.
We are proud of our inclusive culture, where every pupil is welcomed, respected and supported to belong. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively with families, specialists and the wider community to remove barriers to learning and well-being, and to create meaningful opportunities for all our pupils to succeed. At St Nicholas School, we celebrate difference, promote equality and ensure that every child has access to a rich, broad and balanced education that prepares them for adulthood and active participation in society.
We would like to recruit:
1. A skilled, patient, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant
2. Holding at least an NVQ 2 in relevant area is desirable, or the desire to obtain a Teaching Assistant Qualification once employed
3. Prior experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs
What we offer:
4. The opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives
5. A supportive, collaborative team environment and high expectations for all children
6. Ongoing professional development and training
7. A vibrant, diverse and inclusive school community
Applicants should apply using the 2 documents attached to the advert. CVs will not be accepted
Please include a supporting document (no more than 2 A$ sheets) explaining why you are able to do the job based on your skills and experience with your application and Equal Opportunities Forms, returning them by closing date.
Diversity Statement
St Nicholas School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
GDPR Statement
In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the expected provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) the school is responsible for holding and protecting personal data. The school is required to share some data with the Local Authority and the DfE. For further information on who we share data with please see our website for our Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notice for Applicants.
Safeguarding Statement
St Nicholas School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities and inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all people representative of our community.
This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended 2013 & 2020). Applicants must disclose details of any ‘protected’ criminal convictions, cautions or bind-overs.
If you are unsure whether you need to disclose criminal information, you should seek legal advice or you may wish to contact Nacro or Unlock for impartial advice.
Nacro - https://www.nacro.org.uk/criminal-record-support-service
Unlock – http://hub.unlock.org.uk
The school will request references in advance once shortlisting has taken place and will undertake online checks (including social media and DfE) for all shortlisted candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will be emailed a Self-Declaration form which MUST be returned at least 2 days before the interview takes place, failure to do so can result in the offer of interview being rescinded.
Applicants should be aware that their current or most recent employer will be approached as a referee, after shortlisting but before interview.
Please ensure that you provide an email address and telephone number of each referee on the school’s application form.
The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, a barred list check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. The role is subject to a 6-month probationary period.