Teaching Assistant Level 4 (SEN)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for Teaching Assistant Level 4 (SEN) to join our fantastic central team at Orchard House High School.

This is a Grade 6, permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 4 weeks (total weeks worked are 42 per annum). The starting salary is £30,700 and the full time equivalent is £33,143.

Orchard House High School is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Teaching Assistant Level 4 (Communication and Learning) to join our dedicated Support for Learning Team. This role is open to both external applicants and current staff who wish to take on a specialist, impactful position within our school community.

About the role:

The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting pupils with a range of communication and learning needs, ensuring they have the tools, strategies, and opportunities to thrive both academically and socially. In addition to providing high‑quality in‑class support, the role includes:

• Delivering regular lesson cover for teachers’ PPA.

• Planning, delivering, and evaluating Wave 1, 2, and 3 communication-focused interventions.

• Overseeing communication assessments (e.g., TALC, phonics assessments) and implementing first-response speech and language strategies.

• Using approaches based on Elklan, AAC systems, visual supports, and other evidence-informed practices.

• Working collaboratively with class teams, the Support for Learning team, Speech and Language Therapists, and other external professionals to ensure consistent, high‑quality provision.

We are looking for a practitioner who is reflective, confident, and passionate about improving outcomes for pupils with complex communication profiles. You will contribute significantly to building a communication-rich environment across Orchard House High School.

We’re looking for:

A practitioner who is reflective, confident, and passionate about improving outcomes for pupils with complex communication profiles. You will contribute significantly to building a communication-rich environment across Orchard House High School.

Main purpose of the job:

• Work with groups and individual pupils to deliver high‑quality learning experiences, including therapy-led programmes and interventions aligned with EHCP outcomes.

• Support the accurate assessment and tracking of pupils’ communication and learning needs using specialist tools and frameworks.

• Plan and deliver targeted 1:1, small-group, and in‑class interventions to develop communication, language, and cognition.

• Provide reliable, well‑organised PPA cover, delivering engaging learning under the guidance of teaching staff.

• Promote independence, employ a wide range of communication strategies, and celebrate progress towards self‑reliance.

• Contribute to a consistent, whole-school approach to communication and learning.

• Maintain detailed intervention records, evaluate impact, and share outcomes with the Support for Learning leads.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

How to Apply

Please follow the online application to be considered. Interview will take place in school shortly after the job is closed.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles

• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses

• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff

• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service

• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free

• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines

• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans

• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible

• Mental Health First Aid in every school

• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more

• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: Welcome to Prospere Learning Trust

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application packs or support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or jobs@prospere.org.uk.