Teaching Assistant

Chessington School wants to expand our offer of support to our students and are looking to recruit individuals with the patience, determination and work ethic to make a difference to our pupils. These roles are to replace colleagues who are moving on to teaching careers.  The roles will be linked to a number of high needs students.  

 We are looking for passionate and committed individuals who will make a positive difference to our specific SEND provision, and more generally our inclusive school.  Our SEND team is part of a larger Inclusion and Pastoral Support team, which is central to the school and our students.  We are a school that prides ourselves on relationships, and we enjoy our position at the centre of our community.     

 Due to a growing reputation of highly inclusive practice we are seeing an increasing number of SEND and EHCP students join us.  Attitude is more important than current skills.  We are looking for people who believe in inclusion, and are driven to make a difference.   We can offer training for the right individual to develop specific skills, as long as the personal motivation is present.  We want applicants  who want to support our wonderful young people to access the great learning opportunities that we have available, and to make positive steps to securing themselves a successful future.  

 We are looking for innovative ideas, based upon sound research, knowledge and understanding.  We are a school that is willing to be creative and original in our approach, as long as due consideration and planning is carried out.   

 We have enjoyed success recently with graduates who have joined us to gain understanding of pedagogy and practice before moving onto Teacher Training.  We are keen to repeat this model, whilst being open to a range of applicants with different life, education and professional experience.  We recognise that a diverse team is a strong one.  

 This role is linked to an increased number of Educational Health Care Plans within our current cohort, and is advertised at full time.  We are experiencing an increase in the number and levels of need of students attending school with autism or autistic traits.  Experience in, or passion to support these young people would be advantageous.  

Ideal candidates will:

• Be passionate about inclusion and equality.  
• Be determined to make a difference to the lives of young people.  
• Be a valued member of the SEND team and wider school and play a key role in raising standards. 
• Understand the importance of accurate records to show progress and impact.  
• Be committed to developing your own practice.
• Communicate effectively to staff, students and parents and be fully equipped with IT skills. 
• Work effectively as part of a team, to deliver a shared goal of high quality inclusive education.  

The successful candidate:

• will champion all of our young people
• is passionate about the importance of education for all children
• refuses to accept that disadvantage or SEND should limit ambition or potential
• is consistently an outstanding practitioner with a positive work ethic
• is student centred and progress focused
• stays solution based 
• is reflective, with a constant drive to improve
• is a versatile professional who is flexible in their operational and strategic outlook

Why work at Chessington: 

• Our students are wonderful. They love the school, their teachers and learning. 
• £30 million state of the art modern facilities in an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school
• Fantastic support from line managers and SLT who genuinely want to see you succeed and thrive. 
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development in a successful family of schools within the Every Child Every Day Trust 
• A school dedicated to well-being. Increased length of October Half Term, workload reducing feedback strategies, Free gym membership, onsite childcare and more. 

Here’s what our teachers say

“I have been at this school for 9 years and I love it! It gets better and better each year without losing the supportive and caring environment” Middle Leader

I am in my NQT year. The CPD, support and commitment I get has been overwhelming. I made the right choice” Newly Qualified Teacher 

“This is the best school I have ever worked at.” Deputy Headteacher 

Interview Date: Interviews will be held when suitable applications are received.  We reserved the right to withdraw the advert if suitable candidates are found.