Teaching Assistant

Castle Wood Special School, Coventry, West Midlands, CV2 1FN

9 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  30 November 2025 at 12am (midnight)

• Date listed

  21 November 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £20,419 to £23,209 pa (dependent on experience)

Teaching Assistant job summary

At Castle Wood, we value professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives. Our vision, ‘Together, children first…’, drives everything we do. We are looking for Teaching Assistants with the initiative, dedication, commitment, a sense of fun, and the ability to work as part of a team. You are likely to be working with children who have complex autism, may be non-verbal and have challenging behaviours.  You will work with children on both a 1:1 and group basis. Experience and knowledge of Early Years practices are preferred, as they underpin all teaching and learning within the school.

Our Values

Our vision, "Together, children first," reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential.

Our values drive everything we do at Castle Wood. The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy, and respect.

What is the job role?

Teaching Assistant Role - Join Our Support Staff Team

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant and innovative special needs school for children aged 3 to 11. As a broad-spectrum special needs school, we take pride in our commitment to Early Years practices, which are integrated throughout our curriculum. Due to expansion in September, we are looking to increase our team of Teaching Assistants.

Hours: 33.5 hours per week. 38 weeks term time plus 5 training days – 39 weeks in total

• Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• A 30-minute unpaid lunch break each day.

How to Apply:

In your application, please detail the skills, knowledge, and expertise that would make you a successful Teaching Assistant, and explain why you are drawn to working in a special school environment.

Key Requirements:

•   This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

•   Castle Wood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Useful Information:

•   We encourage prospective applicants to arrange a tour of our school. To schedule a visit, please email: cwhhr@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk

•   Due to the high volume of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each one individually. If you do not hear from us by Mid-December 2025 unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Previous Applicants Need Not Re-Apply.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to use relevant technology and equipment effectively.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A commitment to the happiness, well-being, self-esteem, and progress of all students at the school.
• Personal skills and qualities that enable the formation of positive relationships with children, parents, and carers.
• High aspirations for both their pupils and themselves.
• Desirable Qualities:
• A strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) would be an advantage. However, a willingness to learn and embrace EYFS practices and principles is essential.
• Previous experience working in a special school is desirable but not essential.

We Offer:

• Fabulous, warm, and enthusiastic children to work with.
• A happy, welcoming school with a supportive team environment.
• Personalised continuing professional development to help you grow in your role.
• An excellent well-being package including occupational health, a counselling service, and a salary sacrifice scheme with childcare vouchers and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Local government pension scheme arrangements.
• Opportunities to work alongside experts from various disciplines.
• Support from governors and parents.
• Staff workwear provided, along with free tea and coffee.
• Free on-site car parking.

Please apply using the online application form ensuring you outline your skills, abilities, and experience in line with the key areas on the advert and Job Description and Person Specification.

Interview date:  w/c Friday 5th December 2025

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note that an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

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 school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

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 Castle Wood Special School

• School type: Special school, ages 3 to 11
• School size: 166 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Castle Wood Special School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/castle-wood-special-school

Castle Wood is an outstanding special school. We have 160 primary aged pupils with a broad spectrum of need - PMLD, SLD, ASD, social and communication difficulties and some complex behaviour challenges. We are passionate about teaching and learning and making a difference in children’s lives. Our vision is “Together, children first” as we recognise that everyone has a part to play in our pupils fulfilling their potential. Ofsted have judged us ‘outstanding’ in our last two inspections, recognising the warm relationships and the progress children in our school are making.

School location

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