Teaching Assistant

This is a chance to make a real difference, to contributing to an inclusive, nurturing classroom culture and to be part of a collaborative team driving improvement across the school.

About Monksmead School

• A warm, community-focused 1FE primary in Borehamwood serving Reception to Year 6.
• Our values: Respect, Reflect, Believe, Succeed — we nurture the individual so they can succeed within a happy and respectful community.
• Context: we have a higher-than-average proportion of pupils with EHCPs/SEND and are proud of our inclusive practice.

We are committed to high standards of safeguarding, inclusion and curriculum quality.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant at Monksmead you will:

• Provide high-quality, targeted support to individual pupils and small groups, including pupils with SEND, under the direction of class teachers and the SENCO.
• Deliver interventions and small-group teaching (including early reading and writing) that help pupils make strong progress.
• Promote independence and resilience so pupils can access the curriculum confidently.
• Observe and record pupil engagement and progress, contributing to planning and evaluation to ensure each pupil’s needs are met.
• Prepare and maintain engaging learning resources and support daily classroom routines.
• Carry out general responsibilities such as lunchtime duties, supporting pupils on educational visits, basic ICT support, administering medication (with training), and intimate care when required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals to secure the best outcomes for our pupils.

This role reports to the class teacher / Deputy Headteacher / SENCO and is vital to the smooth running of our school and the success of our pupils.

About you — the ideal candidate

You will be:

• Experienced or currently working in a primary school setting, with a proven ability to support pupils with SEND.
• Calm, empathetic and well-organised, able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Skilled in adapting your approach to meet individual needs and supporting speech, language and communication development.
• Confident in managing groups of pupils and encouraging high standards of behaviour while respecting professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Able to observe and record meaningful evidence of pupil progress and use this to inform support and planning.
• Committed to safeguarding, equality and creating an inclusive learning environment.
  Desirable qualifications and attributes include an NVQ Level 2, recent safeguarding training and a current First Aid qualification — training opportunities will be available for the right candidate.

What we offer

• The chance to make a tangible difference in a friendly, inclusive school community.
• Meaningful day-to-day impact supporting pupils with additional needs and contributing to whole-school improvement priorities such as maths fluency and writing.
• A supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development and training relevant to your role (including SEND strategies, moving & handling and medication administration).
• The satisfaction of working in a school that values respect, reflection and belief in every pupil’s potential.

Selection Procedure:

After the application deadline has passed, the following steps will take place:

• Screening & pre-selection of candidates
• References and background check, including online checks, for shortlisted candidates
• Interview
• Decision
• Job offer and contract

Monksmead School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and other safeguarding checks.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our values and commitment to inclusive education. Thank you for your interest in joining our team — we look forward to hearing from you.