Lead Teaching Assistant

Vacancy: Lead Teaching Assistant

Start: September 2026 or sooner
Salary: Grade 8
Contract term: Permanent. Full time, 8am-4pm 37.5hrs
Location: Heltwate School

Key dates

Apply by: 12pm Wednesday 6th May 2026
School Tours: Please contact School Office to arrange a visit
Interviews: Monday 18th May 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated professional to join us to take a key role in supporting the effective coordination of support provision across the school as a Lead Teaching Assistant. This role is suitable for an experienced Teaching Assistant who is ready to take on additional responsibility and make a wider contribution to support provision across the school. The post holder will work collaboratively with staff to promote effective practice, support colleagues, and help maintain high standards of care, inclusion and pupil support.

Heltwate School is a 212-place special school in Peterborough for pupils aged 4 to 19 years old with a wide range of Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). The school operates as one school across three separate sites within the city. At Heltwate School, we provide an inclusive and supportive environment where every learner is valued, encouraged to develop independence, and supported through an aspirational learning journey towards adulthood.

We are looking for a person who is dedicated to improving the life experiences and opportunities of children and young people with SEND, allowing pupils ‘to be the best they can be!’

Key responsibilities include:
• Work collaboratively with the support staff team and colleagues
to strengthen practice and improve provision
• Contribute to the effective deployment of support staff, ensuring
provision is flexible, consistent and responsive to pupil need
• Support consistency in systems and practice, including induction,
training, wellbeing, medical care and moving and handling
• Promote a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment for all
pupils

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Have significant experience working as a Teaching Assistant
• Have strong knowledge of SEND and inclusive practice
• Be confident in supporting and guiding colleagues
• Demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people
• Be calm, flexible and solution-focused in a fast-paced school
environment
● Can build positive and effective working relationships with other
professionals and stakeholders and can work as part of a team.

We can offer you:

• A supportive and friendly working environment where pupils are
at the heart of everything, we do
• Opportunities to develop and strengthen your skills through
training, guidance and shared practice
• An engaging, creative curriculum where purposeful learning
makes a real difference to pupils’ lives
• A supportive, experienced and motivated staff team who work
collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes
• Positive and respectful relationships with staff, parents, carers and
governors
• Ongoing professional development relevant to your role and
experience, supporting your continued growth as a Teaching
Assistant

Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please telephone the school office to make an appointment: 01733 262878

Vacancy details/application form can be found on our website:-

Vacancies

Please email applications to recruitment@heltwate.net

The Governing Board of Heltwate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its care and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment practice complies with all relevant legislation.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable groups the appointment is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service.