Teaching Assistant Special Needs - Level 2

Are you ready for a new challenge? Do you want to be part of a happy, supportive and forward-thinking school? If so, this is an incredibly exciting time to come and join our team. We are looking for an innovative, dynamic and creative Teaching Assistant to join our Special Needs School.

The Garden School is a specialist co-ed school for 200 pupils, aged 4-18, with a diagnosis of autism. It operates from two sites in Hackney, one of which was awarded the 2014 RIBA prize for Best Educational and Community Building in London.

Our mission is to ensure that all of our pupils and students, whatever their starting point and needs, learn safely, make exceptional progress and develop into capable, creative and confident young citizens. In our 2024 graded Ofsted inspection we achieved good in all areas.

As a values-driven organisation, we place aspiration, excellence, opportunity and inclusivity at the heart of everything we do.

The role

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who has:

• NVQ2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications or experience
• First Aid training
• Exceptional, highly motivated and hard-working individual
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills in both numeracy and literacy
• An ability to work with a team and diverse staff/pupil groups
• An ability to work in a challenging but rewarding environment
• Display commitment to protection and safeguarding of children and young people

As a member of our staff, you can expect:

•  to have the opportunity to work under the direction of a class teacher in a small, friendly team.
• to be supported by a wider team of professionals to ensure our pupils thrive, have fun, and maximise their potential.
• to be provided with in-house training and other professional development opportunities.

The Garden School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers, and external agencies to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, and satisfactory employment references.

The Garden School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

To apply, please complete the application form and send to Allie Birkin at hr@thegarden.hackney.sch.uk Visits to the

Garden site are welcome, please contact Allie Birkin on 020 7254 8096 or email hr@thegarden.hackney.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

• Closing Date: Monday 16th June 2025 at 5pm
• Interview Date: Week beginning 23rd June 2025
• Start Date: 1st September 2025