Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Role Type: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Salary: £22,000 – £26,000 FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

Located in the heart of St Albans, our primary school is a vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment. We are committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, including pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Our school features a dedicated ARP (Additional Resource Provision) unit, specifically designed to support children with complex needs such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speech and language difficulties, and social-emotional challenges. The ARP works in tandem with our mainstream classrooms to ensure a personalised and consistent learning experience.

Our EYFS classrooms are dynamic, play-based environments where children aged 3–5 engage in activities designed to promote early literacy, numeracy, communication skills, and social-emotional development. By integrating ARP expertise with EYFS principles, we ensure children receive early, targeted intervention and support from their first days in school.

Role Overview

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our St Albans team, working across EYFS, mainstream classrooms, and ARP units. The successful candidate will provide one-to-one support, small-group interventions, and classroom assistance, helping pupils with SEND to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children with complex needs in both ARP and mainstream settings

• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans, and sensory strategies

• Assisting teachers with lesson planning, classroom management, and activity preparation

• Promoting positive behaviour, self-regulation, and resilience among pupils

• Supporting transitions for children moving between ARP and mainstream classrooms

This role is ideal for a candidate who is empathetic, patient, and flexible, with a passion for inclusive education and improving outcomes for children with SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support for children with SEND, including autism, ADHD, SEMH difficulties, and learning delays

• Work closely with teachers to implement lesson plans, support learning objectives, and deliver differentiated activities

• Monitor pupil progress, documenting achievements, behaviour incidents, and interventions for review with the SENCo

• Assist in classroom organisation, including the preparation of multi-sensory learning resources and visual timetables

• Support social and emotional development, helping children build confidence, communication skills, and positive peer relationships

• Maintain a safe and engaging environment during lessons, playtimes, and lunchtime supervision

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development related to SEN, ARP, and EYFS practices

• Support exam and assessment procedures, ensuring pupils with SEND are accommodated appropriately

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience in EYFS, primary, or SEN/ARP settings

• Qualifications such as Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, NCFE Support Work in Schools, CACHE, or equivalent

• Knowledge of autism, ADHD, SEMH, and other additional needs

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with children, parents, and colleagues

• Ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations

• Familiarity with safeguarding, behaviour management, and child protection policies

• Adaptability to work across different classrooms, year groups, and settings

Training and Development

Our school provides:

• SEN-specific training on autism, ADHD, speech and language support, and SEMH strategies

• EYFS-focused workshops on play-based learning, early literacy, numeracy, and holistic development

• Mentorship from experienced SEN and ARP staff

• Access to career progression opportunities within EYFS, SEN, and ARP pathways

• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, share best practices, and implement innovative strategies

Why Work With Us?

By joining our St Albans school, you will:

• Make a direct impact on the lives of children, supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth

• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment, with experienced SEN and EYFS professionals

• Receive training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression

• Be part of a school that values inclusion, innovation, and wellbeing, creating a positive and safe learning environment for all

The role provides the opportunity to build lasting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues while contributing to the inclusive ethos of the school. Your support will help ensure that every child, regardless of their learning needs, can achieve their potential and thrive.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils.

All staff are required to hold a current enhanced DBS check and adhere to school policies on child protection, health, and safety.