Teaching Assistant – Level 2 (Communication & Interaction), 37hpw (Term Time Only) (Epinay School)
School Moto & Ethos
Ready to Listen, Ready to Learn Together
All our young people to become Happy, Independent Learners who are Prepared for Adulthood
Teaching Assistant – Level 2 (Communication & Interaction), 37hpw (Term Time Only)
(Epinay School)
£29,542 pa pro rata
Work Pattern: 08:00 - 16:00 - Monday to Thursday / 08:00 - 15:30 - Friday
Required As Soon As Possible
Epinay Business & Enterprise School is an outstanding special school currently providing around 270 places to pupils from KS1 to KS5. Our pupils have significant learning difficulties and/or diagnosed learning disabilities who are working significantly below age related expectations. Many experience barriers in cognition, processing, literacy, numeracy and communication which require highly specialised teaching approaches.
All pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and benefit from personalised learning programmes, specialist teaching approaches and a holistic, multi-disciplinary model to education. We are committed to providing a structured, nurturing and aspirational environment where every pupil is valued and enabled to achieve their full potential.
In addition to their learning needs, the pupils may have some social communication differences, speech and language needs, sensory processing differences and a diagnosis of Autism. Some pupils may also present with social vulnerability and require targeted support to develop independence and resilience.
At our state of the art school, we create a safe and inclusive centre of excellence by providing a stimulating environment where learners are supported to achieve challenging and aspirational outcomes in order to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Teaching Assistant with experience of working with pupils with complex communication and interaction (C&I) needs.
You will work closely with teachers and other staff, supporting pupils with a primary C&I need. Your role will be key in helping pupils access learning, develop communication and social skills and build independence within a structured and nurturing environment.
The key responsibilities of the role are:
We are looking for someone who:
This is a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful difference every day.
Epinay School prides itself on the behaviour, attitudes and achievements of its pupils and we are seeking a practitioner who shares our high expectations and commitment to inclusive excellence.
The school is committed to investing in our staff and developing expertise in specialist SEND practice. We offer high quality CPD opportunities on a regular basis and opportunities to work alongside and learn from therapists and other multi-disciplinary professionals. You will have access to accredited training where appropriate and regular instructional coaching and processional dialogue. There are also opportunities to contribute to whole school improvement.
Applicants will be expected to show they have researched the school; its designation, cohort groups, specialist provision groups and curriculum offer. Visits to the school are recommended and can be arranged through Sandra Stephenson, Head’s PA, on (0191) 4898949 or email sstephenson5@epinay.org
South Tyneside Council and Epinay School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
To apply for this post please download and complete the application form which is saved in “Supporting Documents” and return this to jobs@southtyneside.gov.uk
Closing date: Noon, Friday 23 October 2026
Ready to Listen, Ready to Learn Together
All our young people to become Happy, Independent Learners who are Prepared for Adulthood
Teaching Assistant – Level 2 (Communication & Interaction), 37hpw (Term Time Only)
(Epinay School)
£29,542 pa pro rata
Work Pattern: 08:00 - 16:00 - Monday to Thursday / 08:00 - 15:30 - Friday
Required As Soon As Possible
Epinay Business & Enterprise School is an outstanding special school currently providing around 270 places to pupils from KS1 to KS5. Our pupils have significant learning difficulties and/or diagnosed learning disabilities who are working significantly below age related expectations. Many experience barriers in cognition, processing, literacy, numeracy and communication which require highly specialised teaching approaches.
All pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and benefit from personalised learning programmes, specialist teaching approaches and a holistic, multi-disciplinary model to education. We are committed to providing a structured, nurturing and aspirational environment where every pupil is valued and enabled to achieve their full potential.
In addition to their learning needs, the pupils may have some social communication differences, speech and language needs, sensory processing differences and a diagnosis of Autism. Some pupils may also present with social vulnerability and require targeted support to develop independence and resilience.
At our state of the art school, we create a safe and inclusive centre of excellence by providing a stimulating environment where learners are supported to achieve challenging and aspirational outcomes in order to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Teaching Assistant with experience of working with pupils with complex communication and interaction (C&I) needs.
You will work closely with teachers and other staff, supporting pupils with a primary C&I need. Your role will be key in helping pupils access learning, develop communication and social skills and build independence within a structured and nurturing environment.
The key responsibilities of the role are:
- Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small group
- Assist in delivering differentiated, tailored learning activities
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation
- Support communication using appropriate strategies
- Build strong, trusting relationships with students and their families
- Work collaboratively with the school staff team
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience of working with children or young people with special educational needs, specifically with children who have C&I difficulties
- Has experience of working with children who require intimate care and are working within the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Is calm, patient, empathetic and resilient
- Has a genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs
- Can remain composed and adaptable in challenging situations
- Works effectively as part of a team
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare
This is a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful difference every day.
Epinay School prides itself on the behaviour, attitudes and achievements of its pupils and we are seeking a practitioner who shares our high expectations and commitment to inclusive excellence.
The school is committed to investing in our staff and developing expertise in specialist SEND practice. We offer high quality CPD opportunities on a regular basis and opportunities to work alongside and learn from therapists and other multi-disciplinary professionals. You will have access to accredited training where appropriate and regular instructional coaching and processional dialogue. There are also opportunities to contribute to whole school improvement.
Applicants will be expected to show they have researched the school; its designation, cohort groups, specialist provision groups and curriculum offer. Visits to the school are recommended and can be arranged through Sandra Stephenson, Head’s PA, on (0191) 4898949 or email sstephenson5@epinay.org
South Tyneside Council and Epinay School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
To apply for this post please download and complete the application form which is saved in “Supporting Documents” and return this to jobs@southtyneside.gov.uk
Closing date: Noon, Friday 23 October 2026
Attachments
Salary range
- £29,542 per year