Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant

St George's CofE Primary School, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9NP

29 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  12 June 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  14 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £27,088.00 Annually (FTE)

Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant job summary

Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant: Job Description and Person Specification

Our Vision

At Embark, our Collective Commitment to Inclusion means every child is known, valued, and supported to succeed. As a Specialist Teaching & Learning Assistant, you will bring deep expertise, compassion and skill to removing barriers to learning for children with additional and complex needs.

Purpose of the Role

To provide specialist, targeted support for pupils with SEND, SEMH, communication needs or other barriers to learning. You will work with a high level of autonomy within your specialist area, contributing to planning, delivery, assessment and review of interventions, while remaining under the overall direction of a teacher or SENCo.

This role bridges advanced classroom support and specialist provision, without carrying the responsibilities of whole-class teaching.

Key Responsibilities

Specialist Support for Pupils

• Deliver targeted interventions for individuals and small groups based on identified needs (e.g. SEND, SEMH, communication, cognition, behaviour)
• Adapt and modify learning activities to enable progress for pupils working significantly below age-related expectations
• Support pupils with complex needs, including personal care, regulation, communication systems or medical routines where required
• Act as a key adult for identified pupils, supporting emotional security, independence and inclusion

Planning, Assessment & Review

• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of EHCPs, IEPs, behaviour plans and provision maps
• Observe, assess and record pupil progress using agreed tools and systems
• Use assessment information to adapt interventions and recommend next steps
• Provide clear, timely feedback to teachers, SENCo and families as appropriate

Inclusion, Behaviour & Wellbeing

• Implement and model inclusive practice aligned to Embark’s Collective Commitment
• Apply specialist behaviour and regulation strategies consistently and safely
• Support pupils through transitions, change and emotionally demanding situations
• Use de-escalation, relational and restorative approaches as agreed by the school

Professional Collaboration

• Work closely with teachers, SENCo, external professionals and families
• Share specialist knowledge and model effective practice for colleagues
• Support and mentor less experienced TAs within your area of expertise
• Contribute to multi-agency meetings when appropriate

Safeguarding & Safety

• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and professional conduct
• Follow all health, safety, moving & handling and medical protocols
• Recognise and report concerns promptly in line with policy

Professional Development

• Maintain and deepen specialist knowledge through training and reflective practice
• Contribute to Embark’s wider learning culture and inclusive practice
• Support the development of specialist provision across the school

Person Specification

Essential

Experience

• Significant experience supporting children with additional or complex needs
• Proven experience delivering targeted interventions or specialist support

Skills & Attributes

• Strong emotional intelligence and resilience
• Ability to work independently within a defined specialist role
• Excellent communication with pupils, staff and families
• Reflective, adaptable and solution-focused

Knowledge

• Secure understanding of SEND, child development and inclusive strategies
• Awareness of safeguarding, behaviour support and risk management
• Ability to assess progress and adapt provision accordingly

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Level 3 qualification in education support or relevant specialist area or equivalent experience
• Willingness to undertake further specialist training

Desirable

• Specialist qualifications or training (SEND, SEMH, ASD, communication, behaviour, nurture)
• Experience of mentoring other staff

Experience working with external professionals or agencies

We welcome visits to view our school, please contact Tracey to arrange a tour.

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 St George's CofE Primary School

• School type: Academies, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 206 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: St George's CofE Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-george-s-cofe-primary-school-swadlincote

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