Teaching Assistant

About The Role

Teaching Assistant Job Location: Denton, Manchester Salary: Between £23,475.20 and £24,371.20 per annum, based on working 40 hours per week, term time only (39.2 weeks per year) Contract Type: Permanent Are you looking for your next exciting challenge? Do you want to be a part of the founding team helping create a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for those with SEND?

This is an exciting opportunity to join our brand‑new SEN school at a truly pivotal moment. Havencross School will provide a nurturing, structured, and deeply supportive environment for primary and secondary‑aged children and young people across Key Stages 2–4. As part of Phoenix Learning and Care, the school will welcome pupils with Autism, Social, Emotional, Behavioural, Mental Health difficulties, and associated complex needs.

The opening of Havencross School represents far more than a new provision it’s the beginning of a community built on understanding, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Being a Teaching Assistant at Havencross School is creative, therapeutic, and rooted in real experiences.

Education

doesn’t stop at the classroom door it might take place outdoors, in the kitchen, or through hands‑on projects that spark curiosity and joy. Whether you’re helping a pupil explore nature or guiding them through a multi‑sensory activity like baking a volcano cake, you’ll be part of moments where learning becomes meaningful and accessible.

With class sizes of no more than five pupils, you’ll have the time and space to build strong relationships and work closely with Teachers to tailor support to each child’s unique strengths and aspirations. You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, reflection, and continuous learning. We’ll provide thorough training and ongoing support, so you feel confident and equipped to make a genuine difference.

At Havencross School, you’re not just supporting education you’re helping shape a child’s journey toward confidence, independence, and a brighter future. If you’re ready to be part of something new, purposeful, and deeply rewarding, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

A day in the life

Assisting teaching colleagues in all classroom activities including planning, teaching and assessing learning. Some classes may focus on more traditional subjects like maths or English, whilst others will focus on life skills, such as communication and expressing emotions. Working closely with pupils keeping them engaged, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Working either 1:1 with pupils, or in small group settings to help them achieve their learning goals. To be a successful Teaching Assistant, you’ll need: Patience, compassion, and resilience – All of the pupils you’ll support will be neurodiverse, which may impact their learning behaviour and communication needs. Great communication skills – Both verbal and written communication is important in this role as you’ll be speaking to a lot of different people at different times.

You’ll also need to be able to update the pupils’ plans and help create learning material. A driving licence – Our pupils love to go on trips and to do activities. We need you to be able to drive them to where they need to go. We have the cars; you just need the licence. A genuine interest in a career focused on the education of people with a wide range of needs.

In return for your time, you’ll get: Holidays – You’ll only work term time, but you’ll get paid 5.6 weeks annual leave as well! Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%. Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.

Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform. Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offer a six weekly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.

Cycle2Work -The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate. DBS – As this role requires you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost. After 12 months service

• You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts. As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage. At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.