Primary Teaching Assistant
We are working in partnership with a specialist setting in Whitehaven, looking for a caring Primary Teaching Assistant to join their team. This long-term role is ideal for someone with experience supporting children with additional needs—whether in education, care, or therapeutic settings. Full-time and part-time applications are warmly welcomed.
The Role
As a Primary Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with students with a calm and structured approach to help them feel secure, understood and ready to engage in learning. Your role will involve:
- Creating a predictable, supportive routine using visual timetables and sensory tools
- Assist with basic Maths and English lesson delivery/ one to one sessions
- Encouraging communication, attention and understanding through tailored strategies
- Assisting with emotional regulation and modelling positive behaviour responses
- Adapting learning activities to match the child’s developmental level
- Building a trusted relationship that fosters confidence and belonging
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and therapists to deliver individualised support
The Ideal Candidate
This role would suit someone with a nurturing presence, a reflective mindset, and a real passion for inclusive education. You’ll bring:
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Hands-on experience supporting children with autism or additional needs
- Confidence in using emotional regulation tools such as Zones of Regulation or sensory circuits
- A calm, patient and consistent approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- A relevant Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assistance, Childcare or Early Years
Whether your background is in education, health, care, or support work, this is a chance to use your skills in a meaningful, school-based role.
The School
The school places emotional wellbeing and inclusive practice at the heart of everything they do. With a trauma-informed approach, small class sizes and a collaborative staff culture, you’ll be part of a team committed to helping every child feel seen, safe and supported.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time / Part time
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
The Benefits
- Competitive pay
- No evening or weekend work
- A supportive team with strong SEN leadership
- Opportunity for the role to become permanent
Apply now
If you’re ready to bring empathy, structure and purpose to a rewarding 1:1 role in a Leeds primary school, we’d love to hear from you.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Type: Temp to perm
Pay: £94.00-£110.00 per day
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
