Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a hugely rewarding role in helping children and young people build confidence, discover their strengths and achieve things they may not have thought possible.
You don’t need to have all the answers, just the right attitude. If you’re caring, patient, resilient and ready to learn, we’ll support you every step of the way. You’ll work alongside an experienced team, gain valuable skills and have the opportunity to build a career where you can make a genuine difference every day.
Every day will be different. From supporting learning in the classroom and getting involved in outdoor activities, to encouraging communication, building independence and helping students navigate challenges, you’ll be there to celebrate the big wins and the small victories that matter.
If you’re ready to make a difference, grow your skills and be part of a team that changes lives, we’d love to hear from you.
What you will be doing
Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help students engage with learning and reach their individual goals.
Support class teachers and tutors in delivering high‑quality education, implementing all relevant policies, and creating a structured, autism‑appropriate learning environment.
Assist with planning, risk assessments, and the creation, updating, and evaluation of student documentation including IEPs, BSPs, risk assessments, and communication profiles.
Help manage challenging behaviour using consistent strategies that promote students’ development from external control to self‑control.
Contribute to the preparation of teaching resources, classroom organisation, and the effective use and maintenance of equipment and learning materials.
Work collaboratively with teaching, care, and multi‑professional teams, maintaining strong communication to ensure a consistent approach between school, home, and other departments.
Maintain accurate records, follow all safeguarding, behaviour, and health & safety policies, and engage in ongoing training, meetings, and professional development.
About you
You could already have experience working in education, care, youth work or support or you may simply have the right attitude and a genuine passion for helping young people.
Caring, patient and compassionate, with a positive approach.
Adaptable and resilient, able to respond calmly to different situations.
A confident communicator who can build strong relationships.
Enthusiastic about learning and developing their own skills.
A team player who enjoys working collaboratively.
Ready to bring energy, encouragement and positivity to every day.
Driving licence is required
About Bluebank School
Bluebank School is an Acorn Education school in Chesterfield, providing specialist education for students aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other complex learning needs. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
With small class sizes, personalised learning programmes and a highly supportive approach, we help students develop the academic, social and life skills they need to succeed. Our tailored curriculum combines National Curriculum learning with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, resilience, communication and independence.
At Bluebank School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate individuality, build confidence and empower students to overcome challenges, recognise their strengths and achieve meaningful success. Guided by our ethos that everybody is somebody, we work together to ensure every young person feels respected, included and ready for their future.
At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Salary description
£22161.00 - £22161.00 per year