Location
London

Hours
37 hours per week, 38 weeks per year

Salary
NJC 5 - 7 £21,347 - £22,031 (Actual) £25,583 - £26,403 (FTE) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Contract
Fixed Term - until August 2026

Start Date
November 2025

About the Role
At Lift Cottingley, we are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant (SEN) with a genuine passion and skill for helping children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) thrive. At Cottingley Primary School, we believe every child deserves the best start in life - and your support could make all the difference. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people.

As a Teaching Assistant (SEN), you will work closely with teachers and the SENCO to support students with a range of additional needs. You will help them access learning, develop confidence, and experience success both in and out of the classroom.

You will assist with lesson planning and delivery, provide targeted interventions, and promote positive behaviour, helping to build a calm, supportive environment where every child can feel safe, valued, and understood.

Lift Cottingley is a diverse and dynamic school that celebrates and actively creates an inclusive learning environment. Our children are the heart of the school; we are proud of their passion for learning, their support for one another, and their desire to be great people. We are fortunate to have fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities that support us in delivering the best possible education and quality learning opportunities to make a lasting impact on our pupils' lives.

Lift Schools is a diverse and inclusive network of 57 schools with a clear mission to provide excellent education to every child in every classroom, every day. We empower our team to do their best work, supported by outstanding leadership.

We offer comprehensive training, generous benefits including pension and healthcare, and lifestyle perks such as discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and electric vehicle incentives.

Lift Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow a fair and consistent recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, prohibition from teaching checks.

We embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time, and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer with a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Experience
Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs is desirable but not essential. A strong understanding of how children learn, particularly those with additional needs, is important.

About you
- Clear communication skills with children, teachers, and parents
- Ability to stay calm and positive under pressure
- Initiative, flexibility, and a proactive attitude
- Confidence working one-to-one or with small groups
- Team-focused mindset and willingness to support across the school
- Commitment to inclusion and promoting every child's right to succeed
- Patience, empathy, and a passion for helping children achieve their best

Qualifications
A Level 2 TA qualification or equivalent in Teaching Assisting is required.