SEND Learning Support Assistant

Role: Teaching Assistant Location: Minehead First School Start Date: ASAP Contract: Fixed term 31th August 2027 Closing Date: 9th October 2026 Interview Date: 12th October 2026 Hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm 35 hours per week, 5 days a week Term time and 5 inset days Grade: 1 SCP 3 - 4 £25,614 - £26,016 per annum, pro rata Actual salary: £20,817 - £21,144 per annum Minehead First School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our school community. This is an exciting opportunity to support children's learning, development and wellbeing while working alongside a committed and passionate staff team. We are looking for someone who is nurturing, adaptable and motivated to help every child thrive and achieve their full potential. Minehead First School is a thriving two-form entry first school, serving children aged 2-9 years in the beautiful coastal town of Minehead, West Somerset. Part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, we were judged Good in all areas by Ofsted in February 2024 and are proud of our inclusive ethos, strong community links and commitment to ensuring every child belongs, discovers and grows.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, build confidence and develop independence. You will work closely with class teachers, the SENDCo and other professionals to provide tailored support, particularly for children with additional needs, ensuring they are fully included in all aspects of school life.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for working with children and supporting their learning and development.
• Can build positive, supportive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Is patient, nurturing and able to motivate children to succeed.
• Has high expectations for behaviour, learning and personal development.
• Can work effectively as part of a team whilst also using their own initiative.
• Is committed to promoting inclusion and ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
• Has a willingness to engage in professional development and training.

The role will include:

• Supporting pupils individually, within small groups and in whole-class learning activities.
• Adapting and clarifying learning tasks to help pupils access the curriculum successfully.
• Delivering targeted support programmes and interventions.
• Supporting pupils' social, emotional and communication development.
• Assisting with the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans and individual support plans.
• Encouraging independence, resilience and positive behaviour.
• Working with teachers to monitor progress and provide feedback on learning and development.
• Supporting children during breaktimes, educational visits and wider school activities.
• Promoting safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion at all times.

What We Offer:

• Enthusiastic, caring and curious children.
• A dedicated and supportive staff team.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and growth.
• A highly inclusive school community committed to making a difference.
• A school community built on our values of Belong, Discover and Grow.

If you are an enthusiastic, hardworking, and ambitious professional looking to make a genuine difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you. Visits to our school are warmly welcomed. There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is generous annual leave entitlement, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, free eye tests for VDU users and employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals such as the Blue Light Card offering savings on shopping, travel, and leisure. We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Safeguarding Statement:

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.