Senior Teaching Assistant (SEND ARMS) - Communication and Interaction

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

17 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  8 June 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  22 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: Term time only (195 days) + 1 day (August results) 7 hours per day, 8.20am - 4.20pm (3.50pm on Fridays)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £32,061 - £34,434

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Senior Teaching Assistant to lead on a specific area of SEND and 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.

We have recently undertaken a restructuring of our SEND provision, and the successful candidate will work in an exciting, fast-paced, highly motivated yet supportive environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour, engagement and academic outcomes.At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs. We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils, ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum.

What the school offers its staff

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.

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, including in adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with needs within your specialism

• Specialist SEND training: As a Senior teaching assistant you will receive specialist training to support pupils with autistic spectrum conditions and speech, language and communication needs.

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

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.

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 experience of working with young people and a willingness to continue learning and developing professionally.

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.

Senior Teaching Assistant Job Description ARMS.docx.pdf - 95 KB (opens in new tab)

SEND Senior TA Person Spec .docx.pdf - 92.1 KB (opens in new tab)

About Whickham School

• School type: Academies, Does not apply, 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: recruitment@whickhamschool.org
• 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 recruitment@whickhamschool.org.

School location

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