SEN Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who shares our values and has the dedication and skills to support learning in the classroom as well as to contribute to other areas of school life for our young people with SEND. If you are passionate about supporting and empowering students with SEND, we would love to hear from you!

St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form is an 11-19 Special School in Derby, with a mixed student profile of children and young people with a range of learning difficulties and additional complex needs; including Autism, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Emotional and Mental Health, as well as other Learning Disabilities and Difficulties.

St Martins shares a site with Noel-Baker Academy in Alvaston, whilst Horizons 6th Form is based in Derby city centre. Our Supported Internship programme for Year 14 students is based at the Royal Derby Hospital. We received our fourth consecutive 'Outstanding' OFSTED in October 2024 and we continue to aspire to the highest standards for students and our staff team.

At St Martins, our aim is to Shape Successful Futures for our students throughout their time in school - whether in the classroom or the playground, and we believe that all time spent in school is a valuable opportunity for personal development. We believe in developing our staff team to help them reach their potential, with opportunities for further development and progression available to all.

Candidates must:

• Have experience of supporting students with a range of Special Educational Needs
• Be able to tailor communication to meet the needs of students
• Want to work towards Shaping Successful Futures for all students

The hours of work for this post are: Monday and Thursday - 8:15am-4:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday - 8:15am-4:45pm, Friday - 8:15am-2:45pm.

We encourage visits to the school prior to application. To arrange a visit, or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Victoria Theobald - Contact details can be found on the advert attachment below. We look forward to meeting you.

All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.

Join Shaw Education Trust - Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you'll be part of something extraordinary.

We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person-whatever their background, ability, or starting point.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve-our "precious cargo." We are proud to "exactly like nothing else" and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.

If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.

Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive.

Together, let's make the remarkable happen.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.

• Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
• Participating in peer reviews.
• Access to a suite of online courses.
• Placement projects within our family of schools.

Actual Salary: £23,755-£26,170

Working hours: 37 hours per week, 38 term time weeks + 5 INSET Days (39 weeks total)

Contract type: Fixed Term for One Year