Teaching Assistant

Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

Position:

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our education team at Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate. This is a rewarding and hands on role supporting learners with a range of disabilities to access education and develop independence. You will work closely with tutors and a multidisciplinary team to support both classroom activities and the wider student experience, including personal care where required. This role would suit someone who is compassionate, proactive and committed to helping others achieve their potential.

By supporting learners to build confidence, develop independence and achieve their goals, this role directly contributes to Henshaws mission to enable people to live fulfilling lives.

Salary: £13.73 per hour or £23,795.19 per annum (actual)

Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours also available)

Shift pattern: Monday–Thursday: 08:30–16:30 Friday: 08:30–16:00

Weeks per year: 40 (term time)

Annual leave: 6.84 weeks (5 weeks plus 10 bank holiday days, pro rated)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Henshaws College, Harrogate

Closing Date: 31st October 2026 - 12 Noon

• Please note applicants reviewed and will be interviewed weekly until positions filled

Our Values

This role brings our values to life every day through the support you provide to our learners.

Ambition is shown by helping learners achieve more than they thought possible and continually looking for ways to improve the support you provide.

Respect is central to the role, recognising each learner as an individual, valuing their voice and ensuring they have equal access to education and opportunities.

Empowerment comes through enabling learners to build independence, confidence and life skills that support them beyond college and into their future.

You will also work collaboratively with colleagues across education, care and therapy services to provide consistent and high quality support.

Requirements:

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, organised and able to work as part of a supportive team.

You will need:

• A good standard of literacy and numeracy
• A Teaching Assistant qualification or willingness to work towards one
• Experience of working within an education setting
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with learners, families and professionals
• The ability to follow structured learning programmes and contribute to planning and evaluation
• A positive and respectful approach to supporting learners with a range of disabilities
• A commitment to promoting independence and supporting personal development
• Willingness to support with personal care

It would be beneficial if you have experience of working with individuals with autism, learning disabilities or sensory impairments and an understanding of health and safety within an educational setting.

This role requires:

• The ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including supporting wheelchair users following training
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
• An enhanced DBS check including adult and child barring lists

Other information:

Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.

Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.

Registered Charity No: 221888