Job Title: ARP Teaching Assistant
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £21,500 – £23,500 FTE (pro-rata for part-time)
Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Considered
Start Date: September 2026

About the School

We are a forward-thinking mainstream school in Nottingham with an established Additional Resource Provision (ARP) for pupils with special educational needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), moderate learning difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH). Our school is committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their learning needs, have access to high-quality teaching, support, and development opportunities.

The ARP is a vital part of our school community, providing structured, personalised support for pupils who require additional help to access the curriculum and achieve their full potential. The provision is designed to foster independence, confidence, and social development, while maintaining strong links with mainstream classrooms to ensure pupils feel included in all aspects of school life.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced ARP Teaching Assistant to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference to pupils with additional needs, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in both ARP and mainstream settings.

The Role

The ARP Teaching Assistant will provide direct support to pupils within the ARP and across mainstream classrooms. You will work under the guidance of the class teacher and SENCo to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans, and targeted interventions.

Your role will involve one-to-one and small-group support, assisting pupils with learning, communication, social skills, and behaviour management. You will be expected to adapt strategies to meet the individual needs of each pupil, including those with autism, SEMH challenges, or moderate learning difficulties.

You will also contribute to assessments, monitoring pupil progress, and liaising with parents and external professionals to ensure consistency and effectiveness of support. This position requires patience, empathy, and strong organisational skills, as well as a passion for supporting children with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils in the ARP and mainstream classrooms, helping them engage with learning and achieve their educational and developmental goals.

• Implement and monitor IEPs, behaviour support plans, and personalised learning strategies.

• Deliver one-to-one and small-group interventions tailored to individual pupil needs.

• Assist teachers in lesson delivery, resource preparation, and classroom management.

• Support pupils in developing independence, social skills, and emotional regulation.

• Promote positive behaviour using evidence-based strategies, including positive reinforcement, visual supports, and structured routines.

• Record pupil progress and behaviour, reporting observations to teachers and SENCo.

• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and external agencies to provide a consistent and holistic approach to pupil support.

• Supervise pupils during break times, lunchtime, and school trips, ensuring safety, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Participate in meetings, training, and professional development to stay up-to-date with SEN and ARP best practices.

• Provide support for transitions between lessons, year groups, and school settings.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience supporting pupils with ASD, SEMH, ADHD, or moderate learning difficulties.

• Be able to implement behaviour management strategies effectively and consistently.

• Demonstrate patience, resilience, and empathy when working with children with complex needs.

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to liaise with pupils, staff, and parents.

• Be confident in supporting academic, social, and emotional development, while fostering independence.

• Hold relevant qualifications such as Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, SEN Support, or equivalent experience.

• Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Be proactive in planning interventions, problem-solving, and adapting strategies to meet individual pupil needs.

• Understand and apply safeguarding, child protection, and professional standards consistently.

• Be committed to promoting inclusion, equality, and positive outcomes for all pupils.

Professional Development and Benefits

We are committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of our staff, offering access to training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities. Benefits include:

• Specialist ARP and SEN training, including autism awareness, SEMH strategies, and behaviour support techniques.

• Opportunities to work alongside experienced SEN teachers, therapists, and support staff to expand skills and knowledge.

• Involvement in enrichment activities, school-wide initiatives, and targeted interventions.

• Mentoring and guidance for career progression, including senior TA, SEN coordinator, or pastoral roles.

• Supportive working environment that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth.

• Practical experience in delivering personalised education and therapeutic interventions to pupils with a wide range of additional needs.

• Opportunities to contribute to school improvement projects, assessment initiatives, and ARP program development.

Safeguarding Statement

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are required to adhere to school policies, undergo enhanced DBS checks, and provide references prior to employment.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience, dedication, and a genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs, particularly those with experience in ARP, SEMH, and autism-specific interventions.