Teaching Assistant

Manor Leas Junior Academy serves a diverse community with above‑average levels of SEND, EHCPs and pupil premium / FSM. Our vision is RISE — Like a Phoenix: Respect, Inspire, Soar, Engage. Every member of staff is expected to model these values and help every pupil rise to their potential. This role supports that ambition by enabling pupils to participate fully in the social and academic life of the school and become more independent learners.

Purpose of the role
Teaching Assistants assist class teachers to promote pupils’ participation in learning and school life, supporting independence, inclusion and positive behaviour. They work with individual pupils and small groups (and where required whole‑class support), deliver interventions, promote pupils’ health and well‑being, and apply consistent behaviour strategies across classroom and non‑classroom settings.

Key responsibilities

Supporting pupils

• Build positive, trusted relationships with pupils to promote self‑esteem, independence and social inclusion.
• Support pupils with SEND (including those with EHCPs) and SEMH needs, following individual plans and agreed strategies.
• Deliver individual and small‑group interventions (e.g. phonics, fluency, pre‑teaching, catch‑up sessions) and record pupil progress accurately.
• Promote pupils’ health, wellbeing and safeguarding; escalate concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Support pupils’ pastoral needs and provide calm, patient support for pupils who are upset or distressed.

Teaching and learning

• Work with the class teacher to deliver differentiated learning activities inside and outside the classroom.
• Demonstrate an informed, evidence‑based approach and be willing to try a range of strategies, adapting approaches to meet individual needs.
• Support access to the full curriculum using appropriate scaffolds, resources and adaptive teaching techniques.
• Use effective behaviour management strategies to ensure a consistent approach across classroom, playground and other school settings.
• Prepare and organise classroom resources and learning spaces; support the presentation of displays.
• Use ICT to support and record pupil learning where appropriate.
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons and prepare as required.
• Observe, monitor and report on pupil attainment, engagement and barriers to learning; provide timely feedback to teachers.

Support for the teacher and school

• Assist with routine administrative tasks to support teaching staff and senior colleagues.
• Undertake supervision duties (including playground / breaktime supervision, lunchtime duties as required).
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Contribute to EHCP reviews, meetings, parents’ evenings and multi‑agency discussions as directed.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupils’ safety, security and behaviour standards in line with school policies.

Professional development and practice

• Participate fully in the school’s appraisal and CPD processes; reflect on and develop practice.
• Take opportunities to develop relevant skills, qualifications and expertise (with support from the school).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and follow coaching and feedback from leaders to improve practice.

Safeguarding, confidentiality and compliance

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education) and Manor Leas Junior Academy safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Promote the safeguarding and welfare of pupils at all times; report concerns immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality and act in accordance with school policies, Health & Safety requirements and any relevant local authority (LA) or governing body guidance.

Person specification

Qualifications (desirable)

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching & Learning (desirable).
• First aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.

Experience

• Experience of working with primary‑age pupils (KS2 preferred).
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs desirable.
• Experience delivering small‑group or one‑to‑one interventions desirable.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff and parents/carers.
• Ability to adapt resources and approaches to meet diverse needs.
• Calm, patient and resilient with high expectations for pupil progress and behaviour.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and the school’s RISE values.
• Good basic ICT skills for learning and record keeping.
• Willingness to undertake and apply training and to try evidence‑based strategies.

Personal qualities

• Reliable, punctual and organised.
• Honest and professional; models positive behaviour and relationships.
• Team player who supports colleagues and contributes to a positive staff culture.

Other information

• Employment subject to satisfactory DBS check, online check, references and pre‑employment checks.
• This job description is illustrative of the role and not exhaustive; duties may be varied at the Headteacher’s discretion in line with school needs.
• Manor Leas Junior Academy is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusive recruitment.

Pay: £18,101.10 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person