Job Introduction
Cliffedale Primary School is seeking to appoint two outstanding 1:1 Teaching Assistants to each work with KS2 pupils with EHC plans. Please note these positions are temporary 1:1 contracts which will end when the child leaves the school or the funding ceases – whichever is sooner.
Appointment Type: 32.5 hours a week (5 days per week), Term time only
The first child’s needs centre around providing dedicated medical support with a tracheostomy (full training will be provided) within the school setting, ensuring their safety, health, and full access to learning. The role combines classroom assistance with specialist medical support in line with healthcare plans and training.
Key roles would include, but are not limited to:
Medical Support
• Provide routine and emergency tracheostomy care as per the child’s care plan (e.g., suctioning, stoma care, tube changes if required, ensuring equipment is functional and available).
• Monitor the child’s breathing and promptly respond to signs of respiratory distress.
• Liaise with school nursing staff, healthcare professionals, and parents to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate records of medical interventions as required by school policy.
• Ensure all emergency equipment is accessible and ready for use at all times.
Educational Support
• Support the child’s access to the full curriculum by working alongside the class teacher.
• Adapt learning materials and activities to meet the child’s needs.
• Provide 1:1 or small-group support as required, promoting independence whenever possible.
• Support the child’s communication, participation, and social interaction with peers.
• Assist with differentiation and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Pastoral and Inclusion Support
• Promote the child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and inclusion within the classroom and wider school community.
• Support with transitions (e.g., between activities, classrooms, or settings) ensuring safety at all times.
• Encourage independence while remaining attentive to medical and learning needs.
Collaboration and Training
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including teachers, SENCO, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Attend training in tracheostomy care, safeguarding, first aid, and other relevant areas.
• Participate in meetings and reviews concerning the child’s progress and care.
Person Specification
• Experience or willingness to train in tracheostomy and emergency care procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and act quickly in medical situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Sensitivity, patience, and understanding of the needs of children with medical conditions and special educational needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Educational Support
• assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned to enable them to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them.
• support and assist the class teacher and other teaching assistants in classroom setting
• promote the aims and objectives of the school and maintain its philosophy of education
• create and manage a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating environment which is conducive to children’s learning.
• liaise with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about individual education plans/EHC plans
• be able to work collaboratively with a variety of agencies, to follow advice given by external therapists
• aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by, for example:
Clarifying and explaining instructions
Ensuring the pupil is able to use equipment and materials provided
Motivating and encouraging the pupil as required
Assisting in weaker areas
Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
• Monitor the pupil’s response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
• Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
• To support class teachers to design, create and produce learning activities, materials and resources to support aspects of the curriculum or particular learning outcomes, and to assist and support the child in using them
• To establish a supportive, caring and secure relationship with the child, promoting respect, self-esteem and a positive, inclusive whole school ethos.
The second child’s needs centre around behaviour. We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a child with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is resilient, patient, and dedicated to helping children with additional needs thrive in education.
You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCo, and external professionals to provide consistent support, ensuring the child feels safe, understood, and able to engage with learning.
Key roles would include, but are not limited to:
• Provide 1:1 support to a child with SEMH needs, both in and out of the classroom.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship to promote emotional regulation and well-being.
• Use strategies to support behaviour management, de-escalation, and re-engagement in learning.
• Adapt lessons and activities to meet the child’s individual needs and learning style.
• Support the development of social skills, resilience, and positive relationships with peers.
• Work closely with teachers, the SENCo, parents, and external agencies to deliver agreed interventions and strategies.
• Record observations, progress, and incidents in line with school policies.
• Supervise during unstructured times (breaks, lunchtimes, transitions) to ensure safety and inclusion.
Person Specification
Essential:
• Experience of working with children with SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and solution-focused under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, nurturing approach, with the ability to build strong relationships.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g., Team Teach, Trauma-Informed Practice).
Desirable:
• Previous experience supporting pupils with an EHCP.
• Knowledge of therapeutic or restorative approaches.
• Qualifications in SEN, behaviour management, or mental health support.
Educational Support
• assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned to enable them to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them.
• support and assist the class teacher and other teaching assistants in classroom setting
• promote the aims and objectives of the school and maintain its philosophy of education
• create and manage a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating environment which is conducive to children’s learning.
• liaise with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about individual education plans/EHC plans
• be able to work collaboratively with a variety of agencies, to follow advice given by external therapists
• aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by, for example:
Clarifying and explaining instructions
Ensuring the pupil is able to use equipment and materials provided
Motivating and encouraging the pupil as required
Assisting in weaker areas
Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
• Monitor the pupil’s response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
• Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
• To support class teachers to design, create and produce learning activities, materials and resources to support aspects of the curriculum or particular learning outcomes, and to assist and support the child in using them
• To establish a supportive, caring and secure relationship with the child, promoting respect, self-esteem and a positive, inclusive whole school ethos.
We are looking for someone who:
• Has experience in working with children with additional needs
• Has experience of the KS2 Curriculum and learning goals
• Support the school’s agreed policies and procedures for behaviour and safeguarding
• Show confidence in supporting children in their learning
• Have high expectations of children, colleagues and self
• Be enthusiastic, well-motivated and fully willing to support school life
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and empathy with children
• Be committed to helping children overcome barriers to learning
• Show creative flare, plenty of energy and a good sense of humour
• Be flexible
• Work as part of a team
Qualifications to NVQ level 2 or 3 in childcare and educational support will be an advantage but are not essential.
We can offer:
• Well-behaved, respectful and motivated children who are eager to learn
• A warm and welcoming school with a nurturing ethos
• A talented and caring staff team committed to bringing out the best in children and each other
• A school with high expectations and the drive to improve
• Supportive parents and governors
Visits to school, or a phone call to discuss the post further, are warmly encouraged. Please contact the school office enquiries@cliffedale.lincs.sch.uk to arrange these.
Cliffedale Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants should note that this post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and references taken before interview.
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK and will be subject to an online background check as part of our safer recruitment.
Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 18 September 2025
Interview: Thursday 25 September 2025
Start date: Monday 3 November 2025
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The school advertising the vacancy will contact you directly regarding the outcome of your application and any interviews. When interviews are taking place schools will follow all Government and Public Health England Guidelines.
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
