Teaching Assistant

Level 3 Teaching Assistant - Animal Care 34.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year Salary Grade: F6 - F8 (£26,847 - £27,709 FTE) Actual salary: £21,280.89 - £21,964.17 Do you have a passion for animals, a nurturing approach and a belief that every young person can thrive? We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Level 3 Teaching Assistant to join our specialist school and support our students through our Animal Care provision. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who understands that working with animals can provide meaningful opportunities for learning, communication, confidence-building and emotional regulation.

About the role

As a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students and staff to support learning within our animal care setting. You will help students develop practical skills while providing a safe, predictable and supportive environment in which they can build confidence and independence.

You will:

Support students to participate in animal care activities and practical learning.

Assist with the day-to-day care, welfare and safe handling of animals.

Have a basic qualification in animal care, understanding of animal welfare and the responsibilities involved in providing appropriate care.

Have a basic knowledge of feeding, hygiene, handling, safe environments and recognising changes in an animal’s behaviour or condition.

Support students with individual learning, communication and regulation needs.

Build positive, trusting relationships with students through consistency, empathy and respect.

Use a trauma-informed approach, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication and responding with curiosity rather than judgement.

Provide calm, predictable routines and appropriate support when students become overwhelmed or dysregulated.

Encourage students to develop independence, responsibility, resilience and practical life skills.

Work alongside a level 4 teaching assistant and other professionals to deliver personalised learning opportunities.

Maintain high standards of animal welfare, health and safety.

Contribute to an inclusive environment where every students feels valued, heard and safe.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

Qualified to Level 3 Teaching Assistant standard or equivalent.

Passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Confident and comfortable working with animals.

Patient, calm, compassionate and emotionally aware.

Able to build positive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Committed to trauma-informed and relational practice.

Able to recognise individual needs and adapt their approach accordingly.

A positive team player who is willing to learn and reflect on their practice.

Reliable, organised and committed to safeguarding and animal welfare.

Available for some weekend and holiday work

You will be required to undertake light duties totalling approximately 6-7 hours per week during school closure periods, including animal feeding and carrying out routine animal welfare checks.

Experience of working in a specialist, SEND or therapeutic setting, and/or experience with animal care, would be highly desirable. Why join us? You will become part of a dedicated team that believes relationships, safety and belonging are at the heart of learning. Our animal care provision offers students opportunities to learn in a different way, develop practical skills and experience the benefits of connection with animals and the natural environment. If you are someone who can bring warmth, patience, creativity and consistency to the role, we would love to hear from you. Come and help us create opportunities for our students to learn, grow and flourish. Closing date for applications: Thursday 8th October 2026 Interviews to be held w/c 12th October 2026 In addition to the application form, candidates are asked to complete a letter of application of no more than 2 sides of A4 Outlining your experiences and skills in relation to the areas outlined in the person specification. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and we would encourage you to contact HR administrator Henrietta at hmarafko-toth@isebrookschool.co.uk to make arrangements or to have a discussion about the school with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Creating Tomorrow Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding children, promoting the welfare of all students, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for the successful candidates.