Level 1 Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Teaching Assistant – Level 1 (SEN)

Actual Annual Salary: £2,240 - £2,442 based on hours and weeks worked

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £26,798 - £29,208 (CLF Grade B) based on full time hours, all year round. 

Contract Type:  Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2027

Hours of work: 7.5 hours per week, Term Time Only (3.75 hours Wednesday and Thursday) 

Potential Start Date: 19 October 2026 – pending completion of pre-employment checks 

Are you ready to take an a supportive role within a classroom environment:

We are looking for a passionate and inspiring Teaching Assistant - Level 1 to join our supportive and talented team at Redstart Primary. We are part of a diverse multi-academy trust, looking for professional and ambitious people, with a passion for transforming our pupils’ learning. 

The Redstart Primary School is a two-form entry primary academy, located in Chard, Somerset, taking children from Nursery to Year 6.

We aim to develop a love of learning in our children to last through their lives. We believe passionately in our children having the highest aspirations and are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum with exciting opportunities including access to a rich programme of after school activities. We want to enable all our children to realise their full potential, their talents and their interests in all areas. 

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant - Level 1, to assist in the educational, personal, and social development of designated students under the direction and guidance of relevant colleagues (e.g. the Principal, SENCo and Assistant Principal). Support students by adopting relevant strategies and techniques to enable them to access the curriculum, engage with their learning and achieve their full potential. Takes responsibility for implementing planned learning activities/ teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to students’ responses as appropriate. Deliver measurable impact on student attainment as well as social and emotional well-being. Works collaboratively with relevant colleagues to fulfil the requirements of the role. 

About you:   

You will: 

• Be committed to being part of a high performing school that has high expectations.  

• Continuously be committed to improving the life chances of pupils.  

• Always be committed to own self development and resilient to the challenges of working in a single form entry school.  

• Be committed to seeing feedback as a gift and strive to be better every day.  

• Stay committed to the wider success of the school and community. 

• Have experience of, or willingness to embrace working in a single form entry school is essential. 

• Have an understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities and how a teaching assistant supports students in their learning. 

• Be able to engage students and manage behaviour on a one to one or small group basis. 

• Be committed to undertake relevant qualifications, e.g. Relevant nvq level 2/ 3 in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent, first aid qualification, to ensure ongoing professional development. 

• Be able to engage students and manage behaviour on a one to one or small group basis. 

• Have strong interpersonal skills, in particular with the ability to demonstrate empathy and active listening. 

• Have good planning and organisational skills, specifically with regard to learning activities and support materials. 

• Be someone with a keen interest in working with children and commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all. 

 Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.   

About Restart Primary Academy:

Redstart Primary School is a two-form entry primary academy, located in Chard, Somerset, taking children from Nursery to Year 6. 

We aim to develop a love of learning in our children to last through their lives. We believe passionately in our children having the highest aspirations and are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum with exciting opportunities including access to a rich programme of after school activities. We want to enable all our children to realise their full potential, their talents and their interests in all areas.  

Why CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
• Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
• Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
• Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
• Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
• A collaborative culture which supports workload.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!

Recruitment timeline:

Closing Date: 16 September 2026 @11.59pm

Short-listing: 17 September 2026

Interviews: 21 September 2026

We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

Skilled Worker visas can be sponsored through this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.   

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.