SEND Teaching Assistant

At Birkdale School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to flourish and achieve. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Educational Needs (SEND) Teaching Assistant to join our small, supportive team, working closely with our children who have special educational needs.

 In this rewarding role, you will help unlock each child’s unique potential, empowering them to thrive academically and socially, while ensuring they feel valued and fully integrated into school life.

The role of SEND Teaching Assistant will be based at our Senior School, which is located on Oakholme Road, Sheffield. The position is term-time only, working Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4pm.

 Our Teaching Assistants at Birkdale are part of the whole school team. Their job is to help provide a stable, secure and stimulating environment for all pupils, which encourages and assists in their social, emotional, academic and physical development. Our SEND team consists of our SENDCO, Assistant SENDCO, SEND Teacher, and SEND Teaching Assistants. The team provides valuable support and guidance to our pupils and staff alike to ensure that all the children at Birkdale reach their full potential.

The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to support pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) across the senior school. The successful applicant will work within the classroom, small group settings, and provide 1:1 interventions to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, have access to a high-quality education and are supported in reaching their full potential.

To view the full advert and job description, please visit the Birkdale School website on https://www.birkdaleschool.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Application Procedure

1. A cover letter addressed to Ben Bowles, Head of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you would like this role and the skills and experiences you can bring to it (minimum font size of 11).

2. A completed Birkdale School application form which includes the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of two referees.

Closing date for applications – 2nd June 2025 at 12.00 noon.

Interviews – w/c Tuesday 10th June 2025

Email your application to: Ben Bowles, Head at Recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk by the closing date.

Pre-employment checks

Birkdale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant pre-employment checks relevant to the role.

Current legislation applying to this post includes the The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2008 and the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK and undergo appropriate criminal record checks, including an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the documentation etc needed in connection with all the above requirements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates. Prior to taking up appointment, we will then request a declaration about medical fitness, and proof of qualifications from the successful candidate.  

Under the guidance set by KCSIE Birkdale School will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Birkdale School, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all individuals. We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, providing a level playing field for all of our staff and pupils. We aim to foster an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you meet most of the criteria but are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to reach out—we value potential and a willingness to grow.