Vacancy for Level 3 Teaching Assistant at Rufford Primary School From January 2026 Maternity Cover 1 Year Fixed Term 32.5hours per week 39 weeks per year Grade 5 points 7 – 11 Cover Supervision Allowance of £1270 We are a Multi Academy Trust comprising of six secondary schools and one primary school with over 750 employees and over 5,500 students, based in Dudley, West Midlands. Since joining Invictus Education Trust, Rufford Primary School has been on a journey of school improvement. We are now looking to recruit a teaching assistant with high aspirations and standards to continue with the progress made. This will be an exciting opportunity for you to make an impact in a growing Trust. If you are someone who enjoys working at pace and adopts a flexible attitude to work, this could be the opportunity for you. We are seeking an exceptional Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Rufford Primary School. This is a full-time position, initially in our Pathway Learning Centre, with the flexibility and willingness to work across the school. We are working with the local authority to develop our Pathway Learning Centre. The Pathway Learning Centre is part of the Local Authority’s SEND Sufficiency and Alternative Provision Strategy. Pathway Learning Centres provide an appropriate education along with targeted wholistic support which meets the needs of children at risk of high suspensions or exclusion regardless of ability, needs, background and location. At Rufford, we are dedicated to ensuring all our children feel a sense of belonging at school. We prioritise inclusion in all aspects of school life and we are determined to support vulnerable children and help them to succeed in their education. The Pathway Learning Centre will serve children from across Dudley who will come on placements of around 12 weeks. If you have the drive and commitment to be part of our team, then we welcome your application. Key Responsibilities: • Work with children who have complex needs and/or SEND, building strong relationships with them, their parents, and carers. • Support vulnerable children and work effectively with colleagues to ensure their needs are met. • Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, engaging curriculum that inspires and challenges all children. • Assist in the implementation of behaviour management strategies to create a safe and stimulating learning environment. • Participate in the planning and delivery of individual and group interventions to support children's academic and social-emotional development. • Contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school, supporting the school's vision and values. Required Qualifications and Experience: • Level 3 qualification in Childcare or a related field • Proven experience working with children with complex needs and/or SEND • Knowledge and understanding of strategies to support children at risk of exclusion • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues Desirable Qualities: • Passion for working with children and a commitment to their well-being and progress • Creativity and flexibility in adapting teaching and learning approaches • Strong organisational and time management skills • Willingness to participate in continuous professional development Why Work at Rufford Primary School? At Rufford Primary School, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all our children. As part of our supportive and collaborative team, you will have the opportunity to: • Work with our engaging and caring children • Benefit from the support and resources of our Trust • Receive ongoing professional development to enhance your skills • Our school boasts large grounds and a Forest School, which all children access and enjoy. • We have a beloved school dog, who is a cherished member of our community. • Be part of a school built on our strong RISE values If you are an enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant who is passionate about making a difference, we would love to hear from you. Tours of the school are advised. To arrange a tour or for more information, please contact Ms Pippa Laight, PA to the Headteacher on 01384 686717. Closing date: Monday 10th November 2025 We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Interviews due to take place: Wednesday12th and Thursday 13th November 2025 The postholder will be expected to share the school’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, and as part of our recruitment process, the Trust will carry out an online search on all shortlisted candidates. This is to help identify any incidents or concerns that are publicly available which may pose a safeguarding risk or bring the Trust into disrepute. Any such findings will be shared with the recruitment manager and may be discussed at interview. We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All required pre-employment checks will be undertaken, and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory outcomes. These include an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List information, identity checks, online checks, and verification of professional qualifications and references. Further details are available in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. This role involves regulated activity and is therefore subject to: • An Enhanced DBS Check including the Children’s Barred List • Verification through the DfE’s Check a Teacher’s Record (for applicable roles) It is a criminal offence to apply for this role if you are barred from working with children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, as amended). Certain convictions or cautions are considered ‘protected’ and need not be disclosed. Guidance on disclosure is available on the Ministry of Justice website: Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 For information on the filtering of cautions and convictions, visit the DBS Filtering Guidance: DBS Filtering Guidance As a Trust, we are committed to ensuring that during all stages of recruitment and selection, no applicant is disadvantaged or discriminated against based on any protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.