Teaching Assistant

Blackfriars Academy are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Level 3 Teaching Assistant to join our school team and help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential. Working closely with teachers and other staff, you will provide tailored support to pupils with a range of educational, behavioural and pastoral needs. You will build positive relationships with pupils, provide 1:1 mentoring and support, assist with learning and behaviour programmes, and help pupils develop their confidence, independence and social skills. The role will also involve supporting classroom activities, monitoring and recording pupil progress, contributing to individual support plans, liaising with parents and carers, and promoting positive attendance, inclusion and engagement. We are seeking someone who is patient, compassionate, adaptable and committed to supporting every child to succeed. You will be a positive role model, work effectively as part of a team and contribute to a safe, inclusive and welcoming school environment. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping young people thrive, both academically and personally. Blackfriars Academy is a truly exceptional place to learn and grow. We are a vibrant learning community of around 120 students, aged 11 to 16, supported by over 90 dedicated staff members. Together, we are committed to helping young people with profound and complex, moderate, or severe learning needs achieve their full potential. What makes us special is our unwavering focus on providing an outstanding educational experience tailored to a wide range of individual needs. Our inclusive and nurturing environment allows every student to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. At Blackfriars, students don’t just attend school—they flourish. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values— opportunity, integrity, community, and equity —guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives. We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster 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 a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives. Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Every pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and celebrated. By joining one of our special schools, you will become part of a warm, compassionate and highly skilled team, united by a shared belief in what every child and young person can achieve. You will work in a supportive environment where relationships matter, ideas are welcomed and every role makes an important contribution. Whether you join us as a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional or as part of our administration, facilities or operational teams, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills, learn from experienced colleagues and build a rewarding career in special education. Our pupils learn in small classes and benefit from personalised education, care and support shaped around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations. Together, our teams help pupils develop their knowledge, communication, independence and confidence, while preparing them for adulthood and their future lives. Working in one of our special schools is much more than a job. It is an opportunity to join an extraordinary community and make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families. Join us and help transform lives, including your own. 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: £21,554-£23,746 Working hours: 32.5 (08.45 - 15.45 Mon-Fri) Term Time plus 1 week Contract type: fixed term until 31.08.027