Teaching Assistant
Fred Nicholson School, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1JBThis job expired on 12 February 2026 – see similar jobs
Closing date
12 February 2026 at 12am (midnight)
Date listed
22 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- Scale D (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE)
Teaching Assistant job summary
Tel: 01362 693915
Web: www.frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk
Headteacher – Heidi Philpott
- Salary: Scale D (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE).
- Permanent
- Part-time (fewer days) considered if full daily hours are met
- 32.25 hours per week
- Term time + 1 week
- Note: Relocating from Dereham to Swaffham in 2026
Join the Team at Fred Nicholson School
Make a real difference in the lives of amazing young people.
Are you ready for an opportunity that truly matters? We are looking for dedicated SEND Teaching Assistants to join our friendly, supportive, and imaginative team. Whether you’re an experienced educator or someone with a passion for SEN looking to start a new career, we’d love to hear from you.
Is This Role for You?
We are looking for people who are:
Ready to make a difference to pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 –18).
- Looking for support: You’ll join a team that values professional development and growth.
- Adaptable and kind: Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides.
- Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must.
Life at Fred Nicholson
Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including low-moderate and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and Primary models). Our classes are approximately 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.
You will be joining the school at a very exciting time in the school’s history. We are currently based in Dereham but are excited to be relocating to Lynn Road, Swaffham in April 2026.
Our New Environment:
- Our purpose-built site on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring:
- Purpose-built provision for pupils aged 4-18 years
- Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces.
- Dedicated soft play and independence classrooms.
Hours:
We value balance and clarity. Here is what the week looks like-
- Daily: M/W/Th (8:45–3:30), Tue (8:45–4:45), Fri (8:45-3:15).
We Invest in You
Don't worry if you haven't worked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide:
- A full staff induction programme.
- Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
- Specialist training appropriate to your specific role.
Please contact hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk for an opportunity to arrange a meeting with Heidi Philpott, Head Teacher, to discuss the role further or to arrange a visit to the school.
Ready to take the next step?
How to Apply:
A Job Description is available from attachments.
Use Section 10 to tell us why you are interested in joining us. Please state clearly that you can work the required hours.
Click 'Apply for Job' to download the application form. Email your completed form to Claire Townly at hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk
Closing Date: 12 February 2026, 9am
Interview Date: w/c 23 February 2026*
*We will be reviewing applications as they come in, and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date. Likely interview date Wednesday 25 February 2026
Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; an enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.
This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
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.
About Fred Nicholson School
- School type
- Special school, ages 3 to 19
- School size
- 197 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Fred Nicholson School website
School location
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