Additional Needs Teaching Assistant

This rewarding opportunity will see you supporting children with a range of additional needs, including pupils with complex emotional needs, trauma-related difficulties, and attachment needs. The school is committed to providing a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and able to succeed.

About the Role

As an Additional Needs Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils accessing a personalised and bespoke curriculum designed to meet their individual academic, social, and emotional needs. Through a combination of sensory-based activities, play-based learning, and structured support, you will help pupils develop resilience, confidence, and positive learning behaviours.

You will work flexibly across individual, small-group, and whole-class settings, adapting your approach to meet the needs of pupils throughout the school day. When children requiring targeted support are settled and engaged, you will also provide valuable assistance within the wider classroom environment.

In addition, you will support pupils during lunchtime and may accompany classes on educational visits and off-site activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with additional needs through personalised learning approaches.
• Deliver sensory and play-based learning opportunities to promote engagement and resilience.
• Work with pupils on a 1:1, small-group, or whole-class basis.
• Support children with trauma-related and attachment difficulties.
• Help pupils access the curriculum through appropriate adaptations and interventions.
• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive behaviour.
• Assist with educational visits and school trips.
• Support children during lunchtime activities.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to achieve positive outcomes for pupils.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant will:

• Have previous experience working within a primary school setting.
• Possess a strong understanding of the primary curriculum.
• Be confident supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Have experience working within a nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Understand how children develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Have knowledge of trauma-informed practice and attachment needs.
• Be calm, patient, and resilient.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be flexible, creative, and able to adapt their approach when required.
• Enjoy working as part of a supportive team while using their own initiative.

Why Work with Zest Education?

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Access to long-term and permanent opportunities.
• Ongoing CPD and professional development.
• Opportunities to work within supportive local schools.
• Straightforward and supportive registration process.