Teaching Assistant

• Lakenheath Community Primary School
• Address: Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9DU 
• Salary: Teaching Assistant - 12.26 per hour (starting salary), MDSA – £12.26 per hour
• Job Title: Teaching Assistant (SEND TA/ MDSA) 
• Hours: Full or Part Time
• Contract: Maternity and Fixed Term, Required as soon as possible. Work alongside children with SEND, required for as long as the child with SEND attends the school.
• Reference: 7888

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Are you looking for a rewarding role in a friendly primary school setting? 

We are currently seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as SEND Teaching Assistants (TAs) on a part-time or full-time basis, to support the day-to-day teaching in class and provide personalised support to students with SEND.

Information about the School

Lakenheath CP School is a ‘Good’ school (Ofsted February 2024) on Suffolk/ Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border. We have a wonderful team of staff, active and informed governors and supportive families who all help the children to be safe and happy and to make exceptional progress. It is our aim to make sure that all members of our school community are supported and feel included and valued. 

We care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you would prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we will facilitate this wherever we can.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support to students with SEND, ensuring their individual needs are met in the classroom.
• Assist the class teacher in implementing tailored teaching strategies and adapting materials to support students’ learning goals.
• Foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, promoting the social and emotional development of the student.
• Collaborate closely with the school's SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) and other professionals involved in the student's care, ensuring effective communication and coordination of support.
• Help with the planning and implementation of individualised education plans, including monitoring progress and providing feedback to the teacher and SENCO.
• Support the students in developing essential life skills and promoting their independence.
• Collaborate with other teaching assistants and staff members to create an inclusive and supportive school community

Requirements:

• Knowledge and understanding of different types of SEND and relevant strategies to support students' individual needs.
• Patience, empathy, and excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport and build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals involved in the student's care.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs and provide appropriate support in different situations.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications in special education, such as a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Certificate or equivalent.
• Training or certification in specific areas of SEND, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), speech and language difficulties, or behavioural management. 
• Experience working with children with SEND, preferably within a school or educational setting.
• Additional skills or experience in specific areas, such as sign language, assistive technology, or sensory integration.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment within a vibrant and forward-thinking primary school. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND and contribute to their academic and personal development.

If you are passionate about working with children with SEND and believe you have the skills and dedication required for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application to [email protected].

Note: This role is available as both part-time and full-time, depending on the candidate's preference and availability.

We appreciate all applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For more information

Please feel free to contact Michael Tingey, Headteacher on [email protected] who will be happy to show you around our lovely school, or to discuss the role.

Please download the MDSA Job Description (pdf), TA Job Description (pdf) and Application Form (Word)

Further details and an application form are available from the school websitewww.lakenheath.suffolk.sch.uk

Alternatively contact Christine Nobbs, Business Manager

Telephone: 01842 860256 

E-mail: [email protected]

Closing date: 10am, 22 October 2025

Interview date: week commencing 3 November 2025

We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applicants. Please ensure you apply at your earliest convenience.

Lakenheath CP School is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. 

• This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

• An Enhanced DBS check will be required.

• Suffolk County Council – welcoming diversity.