Teaching Assistant

The Levels School is an Independent Specialist Day School offering high quality education and exemplary pastoral care to students with a range of complex, specific learning differences that may include speech, language, and communication needs.  Our teaching and learning provision would also meet the needs of individuals presenting with a similar learning profile to those with dyslexia and other Speech and Language Communication difficulties. Individuals with these differences often have difficulties with working memory, executive function, and speed of processing. In our experience these learners can often suffer with anxiety and have a low self-concept so we are also able to support vulnerable learners that suffer with fatigue or who may have been out of school due to anxiety

An opportunity has arisen for a Teaching Assistant at The Levels School full-time from September 2024. We are interested in appointing the right person to complement our staff team and can potentially adapt the role to fit the strengths of the successful candidate.

Please email Alison Hood humanresources@thelevelsschool.co.uk for our general TA job description or if you have any questions.

Closing date – 11th November 2024

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a suitable number of applications.

The Levels School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references will be sought prior to your employment start date.

The purpose of a Teaching Assistant at The Levels School is to collaborate with teachers in delivering programmes of teaching and learning activities for classes when staff are absent. The primary focus is to oversee educational activities with individuals, groups and whole classes within a framework agreed with and under the overall direction and supervision of a qualified teacher.

The successful candidate will need to be motivated and enthusiastic. You will be joining a committed and dedicated team that have high expectations for students and work hard to ensure they achieve their maximum outcomes.

You will be able to demonstrate a range of multi-sensory techniques and be prepared to go above and beyond for the young people we support. It is important that you are ambitious for our students and have the desire to problem solve and work as a cog in a small team to unpick the nature of their SpLD so that strategies can be put in place to allow each student to achieve their maximum potential.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates from mainstream or specialist education. Most students will follow a GCSE curriculum.

The role of Teaching Assistant is on a full time, permanent basis of the duration of funding from the LA, although part time hours will be considered for the right candidate. We are looking to appoint a flexible, adaptable, and dedicated individual with experience in working with students with SpLD and some SEMH difficulties as a result of their barriers to learning.

Following an induction and training programme, your responsibilities will be:

• To support the most vulnerable students with their SEMH


• To provide support to enable our most vulnerable to settle into a school routine that is bespoke for them and meets the student expectations


• To support the most vulnerable students to enable them to access their learning


• To adjust learning activities according to pupil interest and need. Resolving all but the most complex problems as they arise


• To support pupils in social and emotional well-being, reporting problems to the teacher as appropriate


• To liaise with therapists, other teachers, tutors and teaching assistants where appropriate to ensure a rounded education for students.


• To be willing to use the student’s paperwork such as EHCP/therapy reports/EP reports to guide lessons and appropriate strategies during lessons.


• To set high expectations for students’ behaviour for learning through effective classroom management and through positive and productive relationships.


• To use problem solving and creative thinking to work positively with students to promote a good learning environment.


• To carry out a share of supervising duties in accordance with published schedules.

Key Skills Required

• To develop an understanding of how pupils of relevant age group(s) and ability learn; relevant learning strategies and methods. This knowledge could be acquired through training and experience.


• Knowledge and compliance with policies and procedures relevant to child protection and health and safety. This knowledge could be acquired through training and experience.


• To have experience with SEN teaching, including ASC, anxiety, and Attachment Disorder. This knowledge could be acquired through training and experience.

• Opportunities for career development and wide-ranging experiences


• Excellent training and ongoing support from experienced specialist teachers both in their subject specialisms and in SEND


• A creative and well-planned curriculum


• A strong emphasis on staff wellbeing


• A collaborative and supportive team