SEND Teaching Assistant (EYFS/KS1-2)
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Term-time only (Permanent)
Working Pattern:
Full time - term time
Advert Start Date:
08/09/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 18/09/2026 12:00
Salary:
Grade E | SCP 8-11 (pro rata to term time only) for Level 3 qualified
Employment Location:
Low Fell
Further Information
Cedars Low Fell, part of Cedars Academy Trust, is seeking two enthusiastic, caring and reliable Teaching Assistants to join our EYFS/KS1/KS2 setting. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children with complex SEND at the very start of their school journey, within a warm, nurturing and ambitious specialist school. You will help our youngest learners feel safe, understood and ready to learn, in ways that are playful, practical and responsive to their individual needs.
Working with pupils in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, you will support the learning and development of our young children as part of a class team. You will help deliver an innovative and inclusive curriculum through practical, sensory and therapeutic approaches, supporting the development of communication, emotional regulation, independence and positive relationships so that every learner can participate, achieve and thrive.
This role would be ideally suited to someone with experience of working in SEND or early years who combines patience and empathy with energy, imagination and a clear understanding of how young children with complex needs learn.
You will be responsible for:
- Supporting pupils individually, in small groups and across the whole class, under the direction of the class teacher;
- Helping to prepare and deliver engaging, sensory-rich learning activities, both indoors and outdoors;
- Supporting personal care, independence and self-help skills with patience and dignity;
- Using Total Communication approaches and assistive technology where appropriate, with training provided where needed;
- Adapting activities, resources and the environment so that pupils with a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs can take part meaningfully;
- Applying positive, relationship-centred approaches that keep the classroom calm and nurturing;
- Contributing high-quality evidence to pupils' Personal Learning Plans and Evidence for Learning portfolios;
- Working collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, families and external professionals to support each child's holistic progress;
- Supporting clubs, trips and wider school life across the school.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in supporting teaching and learning, or be willing to work towards one;
- Have Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics, such as GCSE grade 4/C or above;
- Have experience of working with children, ideally within a SEND or early years setting;
- Be a warm, patient and relationship-centred practitioner with a good understanding of how young children learn;
- Be comfortable supporting the personal care and physical needs of pupils as part of a class team;
- Remain calm and consistent when pupils are dysregulated, using agreed strategies with confidence;
- Be organised and reliable, with clear communication and accurate record-keeping;
- Be reflective and resilient, and committed to ongoing professional learning;
- Enjoy working as part of a close team and contribute positively to a supportive, inclusive learning culture;
- Share our passion for inclusive education and our commitment to ensuring every child is seen, heard and celebrated.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the energy, empathy and patience to make learning accessible, exciting and meaningful for children who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact our Deputy Headteacher, Joanne Carr, at joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Start date: October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: Friday 18th September 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Thursday 24th September 2026
How to apply: please download the job description and application form from https://www.cedarstrust.org.uk/vacancies and return your completed form to recruitment@cedarstrust.org.uk
The Cedars Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks. We are Disability Confident Committed.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.