SEND Lead Teaching Assistant
Salary: £22,983 - £25,537 per annum (From September 2026) + benefits
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)
Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ
Type: Term Time Only (45 weeks), Permanent
Closing Date: Adverts may close early depending on application volume
Seashell Trust provides care and education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders, and autism. Our Outstanding Royal School Manchester supports students aged 4–19, each following an individualised Seashell curriculum. You’ll be part of a dynamic team including Teachers, Therapists, and SEND Teaching Assistants, working in a highly specialist, multi-sensory learning environment.
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Teaching Assistant to join our Outstanding school team. In this role, you’ll play a key part in supporting students with complex learning needs, working closely with Teachers and Therapists to implement personalised learning plans. You’ll help create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where every student can thrive!
The Successful Lead Teaching Assistant will:
- Assist the class Teacher in preparing tailored learning programmes and resources, deputising for the Teacher in their absence
- Set up the classroom and activities for daily lessons
- Help coordinate and support classroom staff
- Lead in the delivery of individual learning interventions and support student progress
- Understand and respond to students’ communication and support needs
- Record progress and share daily updates with colleagues, parents, and transport providers
Requirements for the Lead Teaching Assistant role:
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable)
- Team player with strong communication skills
- Confident supporting and evaluating learning programmes
- Able to coordinate and guide classroom staff
- Experience in SEND settings
- Energetic, enthusiastic, and committed to making a difference
Lead Teaching Assistant benefits include:
- Detailed 2-week induction programme for all new employees
- Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and swimming pool
- Blue light discount scheme
- Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
- Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
- Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Paid Enhanced DBS
About Recruitment at Seashell
Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.
Our Core Values are represented within the three ‘I’s’ – Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.
Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.
This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We provide an environment that is safeguarded and as part of our safer recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £22,983.00-£25,537.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you authorised to work in the United Kingdom?
- Do you hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification?
- Please can you detail either your professional or personal experience with complex learning difficulties and/or Autism?
- Can you reliably commute on a daily basis to SK8 6RQ for the arrival time of 8.20 am?
Work Location: In person
