EYFS Teaching Assistant - SEND

Part of the Unity Schools Partnership

Tel: 01440 333400

Email: hrhelpdesk@unitysp.co.uk

Website: https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/318657NFK

• Salary - NJC Scale 3, SP5-6, £18,500 - £18,794 actual pa (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE)
• Fixed Term until 31 August 2027 (linked to SEND funding)
• Part Time
• 32 hours per week
• Term Time plus 1 week
• Required for September 2026

We have a unique and extremely exciting opportunity to be part of the founding team of a brand-new school. We are looking to appoint a teaching assistant, who will play a central role supporting the growth and development of the school. This will initially be in our EYFS class, supporting pupils with SEND. Hours of Work: 08:45-15:30 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and 08:45- 16:30 Tuesday.

As part of the Unity Schools Partnership multi-academy trust, the school will be part of a collaborative, forward thinking group of 40 schools. Silfield Oak Primary Academy initially opened with 30 pupils in the first year, September 2025, and will grow to 60 pupils in the second year. Eventually, the school will have the capacity for 420 pupils. 

The role will include: 

• Supporting a reception class with high-quality play and interactions
• Supporting pupils with SEND at lunch times
• Supporting children with learning and development
• Attending training and implementing this into practice
• Supporting children with SEND to access the curriculum
• Working in a strong team with children at the heart of everything 

The ideal candidate would have: 

• Experience of working in early years
• A strong understanding of continuous provision and high-quality interventions with children
• A strong understanding of the EYFS and development of young children
• A record of professional development linked to the role
• Experience of supporting children with SEND
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to build strong and positive relationships with the school community
• Track record of excellent attendance

For an informal discussion prior to making in application, please contact Emily McMillen, headteacher, headteacher@silfieldoak.org.uk

If you are a current employee of Unity Schools Partnership, to apply please click here * Please be advised that this advert will be closing on 6 August 2026 for internal applicants.

How to apply

A job description is available from ‘Attachments’.

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our careers website to apply.

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Closing date:  13 August 2026, 9am *

Interview date: TBC

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.