Teaching Assistants

Orchard Vale Community School, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8QY

20 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  25 November 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  5 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 1
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full time equivalent salary: £26,847 - £27,274

Teaching Assistants job summary

Salary: NJC Grade C: £26,847 - £27,274 FTE (This will be paid pro-rata to reflect hours and weeks worked)

Please note that the pro-rata salary for this role is between £20,195 (C6) and £20,516 (C7) gross per annum (subject to change depending on agreed working pattern on appointment)

Working Pattern: These are two fixed term positions working 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year until 31st August 2027 (Monday to Friday)

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs? Do you thrive in a supportive, inclusive, forward-thinking learning environment?

Orchard Vale Community School are looking for two outstanding Teaching Assistants who are passionate about inclusion and believe every child deserves to experience success.

As an SEND Teaching Assistant, your day will be varied, rewarding and impactful. You will work closely with class teachers, support staff, and multi-agency professionals to meet the diverse needs of our pupils.

About the Role

Working under the guidance of teaching and senior staff, you will support learning in a small‑group setting.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Supporting pupils with learning, communication and social development. Building positive and nurturing relationships with pupils. Working with small groups or individual pupils under the guidance of teaching staff. Helping to create engaging, structured and positive learning experiences. Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and wellbeing Contributing to a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment. Supporting pupils with a range of communication, sensory, social, emotional and learning needs across specialist SEND pathways. Supporting the implementation of individual learning programmes and strategies. Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours. Supporting pupils' social, emotional and personal development. Helping maintain a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

Has experience working with children with additional needs. Has a good understanding of relational practice. Is warm, empathetic, and resilient Works well as part of a team and builds strong relationships with pupils and colleagues. Is committed to ongoing professional development. Brings patience and a strong sense of purpose to their work. Has knowledge of safeguarding practice and strategies to remove barriers to learning. Has good communication skills, including confidence and fluency in spoken English. Has a Level 3 Early Years qualification (desirable).

Why Join Us?

You will become part of a dedicated team working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We offer:

A supportive and collaborative working environment

Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development

The chance to make a significant impact on pupils’ learning and wellbeing

If you’re passionate about helping children succeed and want to be part of a warm, nurturing school community, we’d love to hear from you.

This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

To apply for this role please submit your application online; your supporting statement should outline your suitability for the post.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 25th November 2026, interviews will be held week commencing 30th November  2026.

Successful applicants will be subject to an online search. 

The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.

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 Orchard Vale Community School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 311 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Orchard Vale Community School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/orchard-vale-community-school-barnstaple

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