Primary Teaching Assistant

Primary Teaching Assistant
Support, educate and nurture pupils with additional needs.

Summary
We are looking for a supportive and committed Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND primary provision in the Carlisle area. You will work in small class groups, collaborating with the teacher to deliver personalised lesson‑based and sensory‑informed learning tailored to each pupil’s individual needs. The role is open to both experienced TAs and those from care, health or other backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference for young people with SEND.

The Role

• Support pupils during lessons and group sessions as part of a TA team
• Work 1:1 and in small groups, adapting to the needs of children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and learning disabilities
• Help record pupils’ progress, maintain learning journals, and monitor reading and development milestones
• Assist in specialist sessions such as music therapy, art therapy and speech & language interventions
• Use or be willing to learn basic Makaton and communication through pictures or symbols
• Support at lunch times, break times, soft‑play and sensory‑play activities
• Contribute to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing classroom environment, with safeguarding always a priority
• Apply positive behaviour management approaches and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support pupils' emotional, social and learning needs

The Ideal Applicant

• Warm, caring and patient with genuine empathy and commitment to supporting children with SEND
• A strong team‑player, able to build positive relationships with pupils and staff
• Flexible, reliable and adaptable, able to respond to changing needs and situations
• A confident communicator who can engage effectively with the classroom team and external professionals
• Previous experience as a TA is desirable but not essential — we welcome applicants from other sectors (care, health, social services, etc.) who bring transferable skills and a passion for this work
• Training and support will be provided, including safeguarding and specialist SEND practice

The School
The school is a specialist provision in Carlisle, dedicated to personalised, inclusive learning. It offers small classes, strong support structures and a nurturing environment that aligns with the local ethos of inclusion and high aspiration for all children. St Cuthbert's Carlisle+2James Rennie School+2 You will be joining a team that values your contribution and supports your professional development.

Hours and Working Pattern
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am–3.30 pm
Full‑time or part‑time options available
Immediate start possible

The Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Term‑time hours, no weekend or shift work
• Ongoing training and support in a values‑driven, friendly team

If you are ready to bring your kindness, energy and dedication into a classroom where every day counts, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV. We look forward to hearing from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay