Fortitude School, AlcesterFull Time | Competitive Salary | September 2026 Start
Do you have patience, compassion and Fortitude?
Fortitude School is a specialist independent SEND primary school supporting children aged 5–11 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Our pupils have a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, PDA, SEMH, attachment needs and communication differences.
Due to the continued growth of our school, we are excited to be recruiting TWO Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated and passionate team from September 2026.
We Are Recruiting For:
1. Early Learning Teaching Assistant (EYFS Focus)
This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), child development and play-based learning.
Although our pupils are primary-aged, many access learning through EYFS principles due to developmental, communication and learning needs. We are therefore looking for someone who can use sensory, practical and relationship-based approaches to help children engage, regulate and succeed.
2. SEND Teaching Assistant
This role is ideal for someone with experience supporting children with additional needs including Autism, ADHD, PDA, SEMH, attachment needs and communication difficulties.
You will help pupils access learning, develop emotional regulation, build confidence and achieve success both in the classroom and through our outdoor and farm-based learning provision.
About Fortitude School
Fortitude School is a nurturing, trauma-informed setting where relationships come first. We understand that every child is unique and many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education and barriers to learning before joining us.
Our pupils benefit from:
- Small class sizes
- High staff-to-pupil ratios
- A personalised curriculum
- Therapeutic and relational approaches
- Daily outdoor learning opportunities
- A unique farm-based learning provision
- A highly supportive and collaborative staff team
No two days are ever the same at Fortitude, and every day provides an opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child’s life.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting pupils with a range of SEND needs both in and out of the classroom
- Building positive and trusting relationships with children and families
- Supporting communication, emotional regulation and social development
- Delivering individual and small-group learning activities
- Supporting outdoor learning and farm-based activities
- Encouraging independence, confidence and resilience
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and families
- Creating engaging, practical and meaningful learning experiences
- Celebrating every success, no matter how small
We Are Looking For People Who:
- Have experience working with children or young people
- Are patient, calm and resilient
- Have a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
- Can build positive relationships with children who may have struggled in previous educational settings
- Understand that behaviour is communication
- Are proactive, flexible and solution-focused
- Work well as part of a team
- Bring positivity, energy and a sense of humour to their work
Desirable Experience
- EYFS or Key Stage 1 experience
- SEND experience
- SEMH needs
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD and PDA profiles
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs
- Trauma-informed practice
- Sensory processing differences
- Positive behaviour support approaches
Why Work at Fortitude?
At Fortitude School, relationships come first. We are a small school with a big heart and a strong team ethos. Every member of staff plays a vital role in helping our children feel safe, valued and successful.
We offer:
- A competitive salary
- Ongoing professional development and training
- A supportive and welcoming team
- A unique farm-based learning environment
- A school that genuinely values staff wellbeing and work-life balance
- Meaningful work where you can make a real difference every day
Interested?
When applying, please indicate whether you are applying for:
☐ Early Learning Teaching Assistant (EYFS Focus)
☐ SEND Teaching Assistant
☐ Either Role
How to Apply
If you have strong administrative skills and are passionate about supporting children and families, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short expression of interest to: Mrs Jodie McCracken, Headteacher, [email protected]
Pay: £22,000.00-£25,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
