Teaching Assistant

At Castle Wood, we value professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives. Our vision, ‘Together, children first…’, drives everything we do. We are looking for Teaching Assistants with the initiative, dedication, commitment, a sense of fun, and the ability to work as part of a team.

You are likely to be working with children who have complex autism, may be non-verbal and have challenging behaviours. You will work with children on both a 1:1 and a group basis. Experience and knowledge of Early Years practices are preferred, as they underpin all teaching and learning within the school.

We Offer:

• Fabulous, warm, and enthusiastic children to work with.
• A happy, welcoming school with a supportive team environment.
• Personalised continuing professional development to help you grow in your role.
• An excellent well-being package including occupational health, a counselling service, and a salary sacrifice scheme with childcare vouchers and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Local government pension scheme arrangements.
• Opportunities to work alongside experts from various disciplines.
• Support from governors and parents.
• Staff workwear provided, along with free tea and coffee.
• Free on-site car parking.

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant and innovative special needs school for children aged 3 to 11. As a broad-spectrum special needs school, we take pride in our commitment to Early Years practices, which are integrated throughout our curriculum. Due to continuing growth and development, we are looking to increase our team of Teaching Assistants.

Hours: 33.5 hours per week. 38 weeks term time plus 5 training days (39 weeks in total)

• Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• A 30-minute unpaid lunch break each day.

How to Apply:

In your application, please detail the skills, knowledge, and expertise that would make you a successful Teaching Assistant, and explain why you are drawn to working in a special school environment.

Key Requirements:

• This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

• Castle Wood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Useful Information:

• We encourage prospective applicants to arrange a tour of our school. To schedule a visit, please email: [email removed]

• Due to the high volume of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each one individually. Unfortunately, if you do not hear from us within one month of the application closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Previous Applicants Need Not Re-Apply.

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to use relevant technology and equipment effectively.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A commitment to the happiness, well-being, self-esteem, and progress of all students at the school.
• Personal skills and qualities that enable the formation of positive relationships with children, parents, and carers.
• High aspirations for both their pupils and themselves.

Desirable Qualities:

• A strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) would be an advantage. However, a willingness to learn and embrace EYFS practices and principles is essential.
• Previous experience working in a special school is desirable but not essential.

Please apply using the online application form ensuring you outline your skills, abilities, and experience in line with the key areas on the advert and Job Description and Person Specification

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at [email removed] or visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information.

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at [email removed] or visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education

(KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22,

please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

Closing Date: 04/11/2026

Interview Date: 12/11/2026