SEND Teaching Assistant

Whickham School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE16 5AR

11 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st September 2026

• Closing date

  26 June 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  15 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time (Can be done as a job share): Term time only (195 days) 37 hours per week, 8.20am - 4.20pm (3.50pm on Fridays). We would be willing to consider part-time and flexible working arrangements.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £29,540 to £32,061

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to work in partnership with teaching and other SEND Team staff. You will support the learning, engagement and progress of SEND pupils in a range of contexts.

SEND Teaching Assistants will:

• Work with class teachers to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good progress;

• Promote pupils’ independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;

• Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;

• Act as a Key Worker for a number of SEND pupils, maintaining regular contact with parents / carers;

• Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills, knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of SEND pupils within their subjects;

• Be linked to and support a faculty with SEND intervention and teaching strategies, developing expertise in a specific subject area;

• Develop expertise in two specific aspects of SEND.

What makes Whickham School special?

We're genuinely comprehensive – and our results prove it

At Whickham, inclusion isn't just a buzzword – it's at the heart of everything we do. We set high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, have SEND, or may face other barriers to learning or wellbeing. Our SEND learners don't just make progress – they thrive. In 2023/24, pupils with an EHCP achieved an average Progress 8 score of +0.67, significantly above national averages.

Every member of staff at Whickham is committed to helping every pupil be the best they can be, regardless of their starting point or the barriers they face.

Who you are:

You are an enthusiastic and engaging Teaching Assistant who is:

• Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential, with an understanding of the barriers some students face in education.

• A positive team player who can build strong relationships with students, staff and families, while working collaboratively within a classroom environment.

• Confident in delivering targeted support and interventions for students at risk of underachieving, using effective learning strategies and ICT skills.

• Calm, proactive and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and respond positively to challenges.

• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and maintaining high standards to improve outcomes and life chances for all students.

• Qualified to Level 3 or above, with the aptitude to work with young people and a willingness to continue learning and developing professionally.

Experience is not essential for the right candidate; if you are passionate about the role and committed to supporting young people, full in-house training and ongoing professional development will be provided.

Ready to take the next step?

Want to see it for yourself? We actively encourage visits. Contact Kate Spoor (Assistant Headteacher Inclusion) at kspoor@whichkhamschool.org to arrange a time that works for you.

Application deadline: 9am on Friday 26th June Submit to: recruitment@whickhamschool.orgApplication forms: Download from Whickham School website where you will also find further details about the school and role.

Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding.

What the school offers its staff

We invest in your growth

We don't just talk about professional development – we make it happen. Here's what you'll get:

• Protected CPD time: 1 hour of dedicated professional learning every fortnight, ring-fenced in your timetable

• Meaningful development opportunities: Training that's tailored to your role and career aspirations, not generic box-ticking exercises

• Accredited training packages: Access to nationally recognised qualifications and specialist training

Modern facilities that support great teaching

• Our dedicated Inclusion Base provides a safe, supportive environment for targeted interventions

• Well-resourced learning spaces designed with SEND pupils in mind

The practical benefits:

• Salary sacrifice schemes, including bicycle and electric vehicle leasing

• Higher priority for your children's admission to our heavily oversubscribed school

• Modern facilities with the latest display technology in every classroom

Flexible working opportunities

We would be willing to consider part-time and flexible working arrangements.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Grade F TA Job Description .docx.pdf - 196 KB (opens in new tab)

SEND TA Person Spec .docx.pdf - 192 KB (opens in new tab)

About Whickham School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1721 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Whickham School website
• Email address: kspoor@whickhamschool.org
• Phone number: 0191 4960026
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/whickham-school

Whickham School is a large and successful school in Gateshead with over 1700 students including approximately 350 in our high performing sixth form.
Demand for student places is strong and the school is regularly oversubscribed. Students are organised into year groups whilst eight faculties deliver the school curriculum. The Sixth Form, which has its own dedicated facility, is an increasingly popular choice of students from all over the local area.

In January 2020 many faculties moved into a brand new, state of the art, STEAMS themed building. The stunning four storey building houses Science, Technology (plus Business and IT), Engineering, Art, Maths and Sport.

The Leadership Team meet weekly and share responsibility for policy generation, decision making, planning and the general wellbeing of the school. The relevant governing body committee is involved in strategic planning and policies from the onset. Faculty and Year groups meet every two weeks to discuss strategic issues

Arranging a visit to Whickham School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email kspoor@whickhamschool.org.

School location

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