Senior Teaching Assistant (BIR058BC)

Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School), Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1HA

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  December 2026

• Closing date

  29 November 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  10 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £29,550.00 - £32,055.00 Annually (FTE) Actual Starting Salary Approx £25,282.04 per annum

Senior Teaching Assistant (BIR058BC) job summary

Birch Wood School

Where a Love of Learning Grows

Senior Teaching Assistant

Location : Birch Wood Special School

Salary: Grade 8 Pay point 15-18 (£29,550 - £32,055 per annum) Approximate Starting Annual Salary £25,282.04 per annum

Hours: 37 Hours per week; 39 Weeks per year (Term Time plus INSET days)

Contract Type: Permanent

About the Role:

A Senior Teaching Assistant will work under the direction and supervision of a teacher to assist with teaching and learning and associated activities in accordance with school policies and procedures. This may include: assisting with planning, delivery and evaluation of learning activities; supporting in whole classes; and working with individuals and small groups of pupils. An STA will also routinely undertake additional responsibilities such as: cover supervision; coaching and mentoring; and contributing to policy development.

Why choose Birch Wood Special School?

Joining Birch Wood means becoming part of a warm, committed and highly collaborative community where staff are supported to thrive professionally and personally.

Why Work With Us?

• A caring, nurturing and ambitious culture with no limits placed on pupil potential.
• Small class sizes, strong staffing ratios, and a multi‑disciplinary approach.
• Access to in-house specialists and a wide range of therapies.
• High-quality professional development and opportunities across all phases (4-19)
• A creative and outward looking school that works closely with families, external agencies and its local community.

“Staff are proud to work at the school. They benefit from highly effective training opportunities. They appreciate the school’s efforts to support their workload and promote their well-being.” - OFSTED

Key Responsibilities:

• To assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of whole class learning activities, including identifying how the pupils can best be supported
• To work under the supervision of a teacher to plan, deliver and evaluate learning activities for small groups or individual pupils, providing feedback on pupil engagement and their achievement of the desired learning objectives
• To help prepare, monitor and maintain a safe and secure learning environment in line with the teacher’s lesson plans
• To promote the development of pupil's self-reliance, self-esteem and emotional resilience
• To promote, observe and report on pupil performance and development, using assessment strategies to improve learning

What we are Looking for:

Qualifications:

• NVQ 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent, OR
• Able to demonstrate the ability to meet the STL Level 3 National Occupational Standards relevant to this post
• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy OR
• Able to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy equivalent to level 2

Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability and willingness to undertake professional development
• Good interpersonal skills
• Empathy with children and young people
• Ability to effectively manage pupil behaviour in accordance with school policy and procedure.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures and their application in a school setting

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.

Additional Perks

• Free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers, dental support, and retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

About Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is committed to improving learning by fostering a culture of excellence. We prioritise children’s needs, teacher development, and innovative school improvement to ensure success across all our schools.

Safeguarding Commitment

Discovery is dedicated to safeguarding pupils. The successful applicant must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide references.

Apply Now
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

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

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 4 to 19
• Size: 246 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School) website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/birch-wood-melton-area-special-school-melton-mowbray

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