Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant (AF45)
Ash Field Academy, Leicester, LE5 4PY31 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
28 February 2026 at 10:59pm
Date listed
29 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time, full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £26,832.00 - £28,146.00 Annually (Actual) Approximate Actual Starting Salary £18,613.46 per annum
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant (AF45) job summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant role (permanent) available at Ash Field Academy
Salary : Grade 7 Pay Point 11-14 (FTE salary £26,832 - £28,146 per annum)
Approximate Actual Starting Salary £ 18,613.46 per annum
Hours: 30 hours per week ; 39 weeks per year (Term time only plus INSET days)
Appointment will be subject to Discovery Academy Trust pay and conditions
Appointment subject to satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period
Interview date: To be confirmed
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Why Choose Ash Field Academy?
Working at Ash Field Academy offers you the chance to be part of an exceptionally supportive environment, working with children who are eager to learn, and staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding education and support. Our pupils never fail to astound us with their exemplary behaviour, kindness, and determination.
We have a strong leadership team committed to honest self-evaluation and continual improvement. They bring a wealth of skills to provide both challenge and support.
At Ash Field, we are committed to professional development for all staff. We have a long history of successful involvement in ITT, ECT, and NPQ programmes across the city and region through our outreach work. Our strong induction and CPD programme positively impacts motivation and effectiveness, fostering a climate for learning that benefits both pupils and staff.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan and provide specialist support to pupils with identified disabilities, SEN, sensory impairments, and complex needs to access a broad and balanced curriculum by modifying and adapting learning activities as appropriate.
- Support the special education and personal social wellbeing of pupils by adapting and differentiating activities to enable them to access the curriculum under the direction and guidance of teachers or advisory staff.
- Assess, record, and report on development, progress, and attainment using detailed specialist knowledge.
- Support parents to understand their children’s complex needs and provide sound advice regarding their child’s education.
- Provide appropriate supervision to individuals or groups in various settings, including school, pupils' home environments, or units, monitoring their conduct and behaviour.
What You Could Bring to the Role:
- Relevant Level 2 Qualifications or Equivalent
Relevant qualifications are desirable, but not all essential. You do not need to hold every listed qualification to apply. Having one suitable Level 2 teaching assistant or childcare qualification such as the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools, or GCSEs/Functional Skills in English and Maths is sufficient.
While accredited certifications are highly desirable, we place greater value on practical experience, a positive attitude, and personal qualities such as patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn. SEN‑specific training is beneficial but not required at the point of application.
- Experience Working with Children
Experience can come from a school, club, youth group, childcare setting, or voluntary role. What matters is your confidence in supporting children and your understanding of their diverse needs.
- Awareness of Key Learning Areas
An understanding of at least one curriculum or specialist area such as English, Maths, Science, SEN, Early Years, or Key Stage 3 literacy or numeracy strategies.
- The Ability to Use Initiative and Work Independently
Someone who can organise tasks, support learning activities, and work proactively within a team.
- Strong Interpersonal and Supportive Skills
The ability to build positive relationships with children and adults, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to support your application.
What We Offer:
- Support for continuous professional development
- Opportunities to visit other organisations for professional learning
- Highly committed and motivated team
- A role that makes a real difference while having fun
- Free on‑site car parking (we have a limited number of spaces are available due to our central location next to Leicester General Hospital)
- Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale range
- A defined benefit pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee self-service portal
- Eyecare voucher scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retail discounts
- Dental support
- Gym discount
- Be part of a wider community within the Discovery Schools Trust
- Excellent opportunities for personal and career development
- Support from an established Central Services Team
More About Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
Please note: Interviews for this position may be conducted earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly to ensure consideration and increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.Safeguarding statement:
Ash Field Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Ash Field Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 4 to 19
- School size
- 157 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Ash Field Academy website
School location
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