At Queen’s Park Infant Academy, we are seeking to appoint a dedicated, enthusiastic and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join our Specialist Inclusion Base. This role presents an exciting opportunity for either an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a strong understanding of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or an individual wishing to begin a rewarding career in specialist education through an apprenticeship pathway.
Our Specialist Inclusion Base supports pupils with a range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), social communication difficulties, and developmental delays. The successful candidate will play a vital role in helping pupils access a personalised curriculum, develop independence, build positive relationships and achieve their individual outcomes within a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside teachers, therapists, families and other professionals, you will support pupils' academic, social and emotional development through high-quality interventions, structured learning opportunities and responsive day-to-day support. You will contribute to creating an environment where every child is valued as an individual and empowered to thrive both within the Specialist Inclusion Base and, where appropriate, the wider mainstream school community.
The post will be primarily based at Queen’s Park Infant Academy. However, as part of the Coastal Learning Partnership's commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality SEND provision, there may be occasions when you are required to provide support within one of our other Specialist Inclusion Bases to cover staff absence. This collaborative approach provides valuable opportunities to work alongside a wider team of professionals, develop specialist expertise across different settings and contribute to the success of SEND provision across the Trust.
We are committed to investing in our staff and offer a comprehensive programme of training, mentoring and professional development. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or at the beginning of your career, you will be supported to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families.
Visits to the Specialist Inclusion Base are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Please contact the school on 01202 528805
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience of working with children in EYFS and KS1, particularly those with SEND, including Autism, developmental delay and speech, language and communication needs, or has a genuine commitment to developing this expertise through training or an apprenticeship. Or someone who is keen to start their career in special educational needs and would like to undertake an apprenticeship
- Demonstrates high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, positivity and energy when supporting children and young people.
- Builds positive and professional relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Can work effectively as part of a team whilst also using initiative and professional judgement when required.
- Understands the importance of adapting provision to meet individual needs and enable every pupil to succeed.
- Has a strong awareness of children's social, emotional and mental health needs and can respond with empathy and consistency.
- Is committed to inclusion and passionate about supporting pupils with SEND to achieve their full potential.
- Recognises and celebrates the uniqueness of every child.
- Maintains high expectations of themselves and others and strives for excellence in all aspects of their work.
- Is committed to ongoing professional development and making a positive contribution to the wider school community.
- Is willing and able to travel, when required, to support other Coastal Learning Partnership Specialist Inclusion Bases, including Old Town Infant School, St Clement's and St John's CE Infant School, Bethany CE Junior School, and future provision sites.
In return, we offer:
- A supportive, inclusive and forward-thinking working environment.
- Opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship
- Access to high-quality training, mentoring and continuing professional development.
- Opportunities to undertake recognised qualifications and apprenticeship pathways.
- The chance to work alongside experienced SEND professionals and specialist practitioners.
- Career development, secondment and progression opportunities across the Coastal Learning Partnership.
- The opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering outstanding provision for children with SEND.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a growing Trust committed to ensuring that every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to flourish.
Closing Date: 27/11/2026
Interview Date: Early December date TBC
In accordance with our safer recruitment practices, CVs from external candidates will not be accepted.
Coastal Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.
The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, and Enhanced DBS check, Child Barred List check and satisfactory references. We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. Applicants are advised that it is an offense to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
CLP is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants who meet the person specification will receive equal consideration for employment. We value the fact that our schools are very different, as are our colleagues within them. Our culture is one in which colleagues serve and inspire each other in the spirit of professional generosity; colleagues are empowered to be themselves and to be their best. At CLP, everyone is welcome and encouraged to achieve and be heard.