Teaching Assistant - Specialist

Ridgeway Farm CofE Academy, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 4GT

28 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  23 February 2026

• Closing date

  16 January 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  18 December 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £26,522.00 - £29,693.00 Annually (FTE)

Teaching Assistant - Specialist job summary

At Ridgeway Farm, we are more than a school - we are a family. Our children are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud of our nurturing ethos where everyone is encouraged to Believe, Learn and Grow.

We are seeking a caring, patient and committed 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and inclusive team. This rewarding role involves working closely alongside the class teacher and our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator to support a child with cognition, learning, communication and interaction needs. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is in place.

Support will be required both in the classroom and during break and lunchtime, helping the child to feel safe, valued and included as part of our Ridgeway Farm community.

We are looking for someone who truly believes in children - their potential, their individuality and their right to succeed. Good communication skills and the ability to use positive behaviour management strategies are essential. An understanding of intensive interaction (engaging with the child through play, modelling interaction and supporting peer relationships) is desirable, but not essential - we value the right attitude and a willingness to learn.

You will be supported to plan, deliver and monitor learning in line with the child’s EHCP, adapting resources and approaches to meet their individual needs and help them thrive.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• A variety of communication skills to respond sensitively to the needs of the child

• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with parents and carers

• Empathy and understanding of a child’s individual learning abilities

• Patience, warmth and a good sense of humour

• A willingness to liaise and work with outside agencies such as Speech and Language Therapists

In return, you will join a school that values teamwork, professional growth and the power of strong relationships. At Ridgeway Farm, you will be supported, appreciated and given the opportunity to make a real difference every single day.

If you would like to discuss the role or have any questions, please contact us using the details below - we would be delighted to hear from you.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

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 Ridgeway Farm CofE Academy

• School type: Academy, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 208 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Ridgeway Farm CofE Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/ridgeway-farm-cofe-academy

School location

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