TEACHING ASSISTANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Accountable to: Head of Learning Support at Windermere School
Closing date : 15 June 2026
We reserve the right to interview before the closing date
Start date: 27 August 2026
Windermere School is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant for 37.5 hours a week to join our Learning Support Team in February 2026. This is a term-time only position with additional attendance required for five INSET days per year.
Actual salary: £20,562.15 (£13.68 per hour)
You will support pupils across Years 7 to 11 in our Senior School.
This is a term time only position with an additional requirement to attend all INSET days, , which fall outside of the School terms and to work any Public Holidays when the School is operational. Applicants need to have good literacy and numeracy skills and be prepared to support pupils across our Senior School years 7-11.
Knowledge and experience of SEND and familiarity of working with and implementing interventions for individuals with Communication and Interaction, Sensory, Cognition and SEMH difficulties would be advantageous. The successful candidate will have a relevant Teaching Assistant qualification Level 3 or above (Support for Learning in Education), although consideration will be given to those working towards relevant qualifications, have a professional and committed attitude to work at all times and be able to adopt flexible teaching styles and approaches.
We are looking for applicants with a calm, approachable personality, team spirit and an interest in extending their professional development, and keen to keep up to date with new research and changes within the field of SEND. It is expected that the successful applicant will be fully committed to the demands of a coeducational boarding and day school and would be able to enhance the School’s extracurricular programme.
Key Requirements
- Secure understanding of mathematics to at least GCSE level, with the confidence to explain concepts effectively to support pupils’ learning
- Good literacy skills
- A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or working towards one)
- Experience or knowledge of SEND, including:
- Communication and Interaction needs
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Cognition and Learning needs
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges
- Experience implementing interventions for individual learners
- Strong communication skills – able to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents
- Organisational skills – able to manage time and resources efficiently
- ICT proficiency – confident using technology to support learning (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Show My Homework)
- Confidentiality and professionalism – able to handle sensitive information appropriately
- Initiative and problem-solving – able to adapt support strategies to meet individual needs
- Team collaboration – works well with teachers, SENCOs, and other staff
- Understanding of safeguarding – with a willingness to undertake relevant training
- A calm, approachable personality and a flexible, professional attitude
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with SEND research and best practice
Desirable Attributes
- Experience supporting students with EHCPs and contributing to review processes
- Familiarity with assistive technology (e.g. speech-to-text software, reading pens)
- Experience with positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques
- Confidence supporting students across a range of subjects, especially English, Maths, and Science
- A genuine commitment to inclusive education and removing barriers to learning
To apply for this vacancy, please download the following from the Vacancies Section of our website: http://www.windermereschool.co.uk An application form, self-disclosure form and explanatory notes about completing the forms and the recruitment process; The Job Description and person specification for a Teaching Assistant; The School’s Policy Statements on Child Protection and on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and return the correctly completed application form to the Head’s PA, Windermere School, Patterdale Road, Windermere, The Lake District LA23 1NW, or email [email protected].
Windermere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The school will undertake online searches on shortlisted applicants and may require applicants to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Windermere School, Patterdale Road, Windermere, The Lake District, LA23 1NW
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £20,562.15 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
