Teaching Assistant - with responsibility for EBSNA

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, proactive and compassionate EBSA Intervention Lead to join the Learning Support

Team at Noel Baker Academy. Working under the direction of the SENCO, you will support pupils’ participation, progress, attendance and engagement across the curriculum, with a particular focus on students experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

You will play a key role in identifying barriers to school attendance and engagement, delivering targeted individual and small group interventions, providing in-class and pastoral support, and contributing to reintegration planning. This will include supporting pupils who may be experiencing anxiety, distress, reduced attendance or difficulty accessing learning, helping them to build confidence, emotional resilience and independence over time.

The role will involve working closely with teaching staff, pastoral colleagues, parents/carers, external agencies and the wider student support team to ensure effective support is in place for identified pupils. You will also maintain accurate records relating to attendance patterns, interventions, pupil progress and support needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusive education, committed to safeguarding, and motivated by making a positive difference to the attendance, confidence, wellbeing and achievement of young people.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced, caring and skilled individual who understands the impact that emotional wellbeing, SEND and attendance barriers can have on a young person’s ability to access school and learning. The ideal candidate will be confident in building positive relationships with pupils and families, delivering focused interventions, and supporting pupils to re-engage with education in a planned and supportive way.

The ideal candidate will:

1. Have GCSE pass level, or equivalent qualifications, in English/literacy and maths/numeracy, or significant demonstrable experience in a similar role.
2. Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification, including Teaching Assistant, Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, Education or equivalent.
3. Have experience of working within an education setting or equivalent.
4. Have experience of supporting pupils with attendance, anxiety, emotional wellbeing, pastoral needs, SEND or additional needs.
5. Understand EBSA, attendance barriers, emotional wellbeing, equal opportunities and safeguarding.
6. Be able to support pupils experiencing anxiety, distress or emotionally based barriers to attendance.
7. Be confident in planning, preparing, delivering and evaluating individual and small group interventions.
8. Be able to maintain accurate attendance, intervention and progress records.
9. Have strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
10. Be able to work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral staff, parents/carers and external agencies to support pupil progress, welfare and attendance.
11. Have knowledge of behaviour management strategies, safeguarding procedures and confidentiality requirements.
12. Take a calm, empathetic and consistent approach when supporting pupils who may be experiencing distress.
13. Be organised, reflective, flexible and committed to continuing professional development in line with the expectations of the role.