Teaching Assistant (SEN) Temporary

Salary: NJC 5 – 7 £20,685 – £21,348 (Actual) £24,790 – £25,584 (FTE) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: 37 per week, 38 weeks per year

Contract: Fixed Term – until August 2026

Start date: September / October 2025

At Lift Cottingley we’re looking for a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant (SEN) with a genuine passion and skill for helping children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) thrive. At Lift Cottingley, we believe every child deserves the best start in life – and your support could make all the difference.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant (SEN), you’ll work closely with teachers and the SENCO to support students with a range of additional needs. You’ll help them access learning, develop confidence and experience success – both in and out of the classroom.

You’ll assist with lesson planning and delivery, provide targeted interventions and promote positive behaviour, helping to build a calm, supportive environment where every child can feel safe, valued and understood.

The kind of skills we’re looking for

We understand every candidate brings a unique blend of experience, but we’d love to see:

• A strong understanding of how children learn, particularly those with additional needs
• Clear communication skills – with children, teachers and parents alike
• The ability to stay calm and positive under pressure
• Initiative, flexibility and a proactive attitude
• Confidence working one-to-one or with small groups
• A team-focused mindset and willingness to support across the school
• Commitment to inclusion and promoting every child’s right to succeed
• Patience, empathy and a passion for helping children achieve their best
• Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Come and visit us:
If you would like to know more about this role or would like to arrange a visit please contact us.

About the school:

We are a diverse and dynamic school that celebrates and actively creates an inclusive learning environment. Our children are the heart of the school; we are so proud of their passion for learning, their support for one another and their desire to be great people.

We are lucky to have fantastic facilities at Lift Cottingley, both indoor and out, that support us in ensuring we deliver the best possible education for our pupils and provide them with quality learning opportunities to make an impact on their lives.

Who is Lift Schools?

We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child – in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Closing date: 1st September 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.