Teaching Assistant

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale £21,164 to £21,500 per annum (Actual) (£25,583 - £25,989 full time/full year equivalent) 

Part Time: 35 hours per week / 5 days  

Working Weeks: 39 weeks 

Teaching Assistant – Supporting Every Child to Thrive 

Are you passionate about helping young people develop their skills, confidence and creativity? We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our team and provide high-quality support for pupils, with a particular focus on supporting learning within our Design Technology department. 

Working under the guidance of teaching and senior staff, you will support pupils both individually and in groups, helping them access learning and develop practical skills. Experience of supporting within a Design Technology environment, or a background in Design Technology, would be an advantage. You will work closely with teachers and the wider SEND team to ensure pupils receive the support they need to succeed. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting pupils’ learning and development through structured activities, interventions and targeted support programmes.  
• Working with individuals and groups of pupils, including those with SEND, to help them access learning and achieve their potential.  
• Providing support within Design Technology lessons, helping pupils engage with practical activities, equipment and resources safely and confidently.  
• Monitoring pupil progress, recording achievements and providing feedback to teachers and the SEND team.  
• Delivering agreed interventions focused on areas such as literacy, numeracy, speech and language, emotional literacy and social skills.  
• Supporting positive behaviour through effective classroom management and the use of appropriate de-escalation strategies.  
• Assisting teachers with classroom activities, resource preparation and the effective use of ICT and learning technologies.  
• Supporting pupils during assessments, examinations, trips and other activities as required.  
• Building positive relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external professionals to support pupil wellbeing and inclusion.  
• Maintaining accurate records of support provided and contributing to SEND reviews and pupil progress discussions. 

About You: 

You will be a caring, patient and committed individual who enjoys working with children and supporting their educational journey. You will have the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and adults, work effectively as part of a team and adapt your approach to meet individual needs. 

Experience of supporting within a Design Technology department would be an advantage, as would a background or interest in Design Technology, practical skills and working with tools, materials and creative projects. You will be enthusiastic about helping pupils develop confidence, independence and practical learning skills, while ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. 

Essential: 

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.  
• Experience of working with or caring for children of relevant age.  
• Ability to relate well to children and adults and build positive relationships.  
• Ability to use ICT effectively to support learning.  
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, confidentiality and the importance of supporting pupil wellbeing. 

Desirable: 

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in Teaching Assistance, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience of working with pupils with SEND.  
• Experience or training in delivering specific interventions, such as literacy, numeracy, speech and language or emotional wellbeing programmes.  
• Experience of supporting within a Design Technology department or a background in Design Technology.  
• First Aid training or experience supporting pupils with medical needs. 

Why Join Inspiration Trust 

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be. 

We offer: 

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions 
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs * 
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). * 
• Free parking at most sites 
• Personalised CPD and development programmes 
• A structured and specific induction programme. 

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation. 

About Us 

The Hewett Academy in Norwich is a vibrant, ambitious secondary school rated Good by Ofsted, with Outstanding provision for personal development. With a strong ethos, a diverse and welcoming community, and exciting new facilities as part of our redevelopment programme, The Hewett Academy is a fantastic place to work, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of young people. 

It’s been a great few years for Hewett Academy with fantastic GCSE results, 8 pieces of artwork in the Royal Academy, a complete school rebuilding project opening in September 2026, an Ofsted grading of “Good with Outstanding features” and results that make us one of the highest performing in Norfolk and the 3rd most improved on progress in England! We now have an exciting opportunity for you to join our committed and hardworking team at Hewett Academy. 

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstandinag. 

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners. 

For information on what it is like to live and work in Norwich, click here. 

Next Steps 

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Pla