Teaching Assistant – Level 2 (Term Time Only)
Employer: Epinay School
Location: Epinay School
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, Term Time Only
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata)
Post Number: CS01926
Vacancy ID: 291026
Posts Available: 1
Closing Date: Friday 13 February 2026 (12:00 noon)
Interview Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Epinay School is seeking to appoint a Level 2 Teaching Assistant to support pupils within Phase 1 of the school. This role is suited to an experienced and skilled practitioner with a strong background in supporting young children with complex special educational needs.
Epinay School is an outstanding all-age special school catering for pupils from KS1 to KS5 with significant learning difficulties, communication needs, and diagnoses including Autism. Pupils typically work at a cognitive level well below their chronological age.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting pre-verbal and non-verbal pupils through specialist communication and interaction strategies
- Implementing and adapting AAC approaches, including PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, now-and-next boards, and sensory strategies
- Delivering individualised learning on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
- Supporting pupils with toileting, feeding, mobility, and personal care as required
- Observing, recording, and tracking developmental and educational progress in line with EHCP outcomes
- Contributing to a structured, predictable, and inclusive learning environment
Person Specification:
- Experience working with young children with severe or complex SEND
- Strong understanding of communication and interaction interventions
- High levels of patience, resilience, and ability to respond to non-verbal cues
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice
- Evidence of having researched the school, its designation, and specialist provision
Visits:
Visits to the school are strongly recommended and can be arranged via:
📞 Sandra Stephenson (Head’s PA): 0191 489 8949
📧 sstephenson5@epinay.org
Safeguarding:
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks. Online searches may be carried out on shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
How to Apply:
An application form must be downloaded from the Supporting Documents section and returned to:
📧 jobs@southtyneside.gov.uk
To apply please see the official job vacancy page here.