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Teaching AssistantSEND

SEND Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant

Fred Nicholson School · Swaffham · Norfolk

Job description

Tel: 01760 693915 

Email: hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk 

Website:   https://www.frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk/ 

 

Headteacher: Heidi Philpott 

 

  • Salary – Scale E, £26,824-£28,142 FTE 
  • Permanent 
  • Full Time 
  • 37 hours per week 
  • Term Time plus 1 week 

 

Join the Team at Fred Nicholson School 

Make a real difference in the lives of amazing young people. 


Are you ready for an opportunity that truly matters? We are looking for dedicated SEND Behaviour Support Teaching Assistants to join our friendly, supportive, and imaginative team. Whether you’re an experienced educator or someone with a passion for SEN looking to start a new career, we’d love to hear from you. 

Our Behaviour Support Assistants are directed by our Area Leaders, working across multiple classes. The BSA role is there to support pupils who are struggling to access their learning, often due to regulation barriers. All BSA are Steps lead professionals, therefore they model a kind compassionate approach to support, understanding the whole child. As a BSA you observe behaviours, suggest strategies, deliver interventions, model interactions and toolkits, feed into behaviour support plans and attend our team around the child meetings.  


Is This Role for You? 

We are looking for people who are: 

  • Ready to make a difference to pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 –18). 
  • Looking for opportunities to learn: You’ll join a team that values professional development and growth. 
  • Adaptable and kind: Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides. 
  • Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must. 


Life at Fred Nicholson 

Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including complex and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and Primary models). Our classes are approximately 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.   


Our New Environment: 

Our purpose-built site on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring: 

  • Purpose-built provision for pupils aged 4-18 years 
  • Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces 
  • Large outside facilities, including play equipment, a MUGA and a forest school 
  • Dedicated soft play, sensory enrichment and independence classrooms 


Hours & Salary 

We value balance and clarity. Here is what the week looks like: 

Schedule: 37 hours pw (Term time + 1 week). 

Daily: M/W/Th (08:30–16:30), Tu (08:30–16:45), Fri (08:30-15:45). 

Salary: Scale E (£26,824 - £28,142 FTE). 


We Invest in You 

Don't worry if you haven't worked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide: 

  • A full staff induction programme. 
  • Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development). 
  • Specialist training appropriate to your specific role. 


Please contact - hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk for an opportunity to arrange a meeting with Heidi Philpott, Head Teacher, to discuss the role further or to arrange a visit to the school. 

 

How to apply 

A job description is available from ‘Attachments’. 

Ready to take the next step? 

  1. Click 'Apply for Job' to download an application form. 
  2. Personal Statement: Use Section 10 to tell us why you are interested in joining us. 
  3. Confirm Hours: Please state clearly that you can work the required hours. 
  4. Send it in: Email your completed form to Claire Townly at - hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk  

We will be reviewing applications as they come in, and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date.  


Closing date:    24 June 2026, 9am 

Interview date:     w/c    29 June 2026 


Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; an enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates. 

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. 

About this school

Fred Nicholson School

Foundation special school · Ages 3–19

Not rated
Pupils
197
Avg teacher salary
£39,287
Pupil:teacher ratio
8.3:1

Average (mean) teacher salary · DfE School Workforce Census 2024/25

View full school profile

Ofsted rating key

OutstandingGoodRequires ImprovementInadequateNot rated

Not rated= no current Ofsted judgement — typically a new school, a recently-converted academy not yet inspected, or a school type Ofsted doesn’t grade.

Location

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Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7BB