SEND Teaching Assistant - 1:1 EHCP (primary need SEMH)

Job title and organisation: SEND Teaching Assistant - Clapgate Primary School
Salary: Grade B3
Hours: 32.5 (full time, term time only)
Contract: Fixed term, subject to funding
Location: Clapgate Primary School
Closing Date and Time: Monday 19th October 2026 at 9am

Clapgate Primary School is a large and vibrant two form entry school with a 78-place nursery. Despite being in an area with a surplus of school places, Clapgate stands out for its warm, nurturing environment, high academic standards, and excellent pupil progress. We pride ourselves on offering a rich, creative curriculum and a caring approach that nurtures confident, motivated, and enthusiastic learners.

Important contract information

Please note that this position is fixed-term and directly linked to specific pupil funding. The contract will remain in place for as long as the child remains at the school and the funding continues.

Clapgate Primary School is seeking to appoint 2 dedicated, nurturing and experienced Teaching Assistants to provide 1:1 support for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

Post 1

To provide 1:1 support for 2 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), whose primary area of need is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

Both children are currently in Year 4 and expected to remain with us until the end of Year 6

Post 2

To provide 1:1 support for a child with an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), whose primary area of need is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH.)

The child is currently in Year 1 and expected to remain with us until the end of Year 6.

PLEASE STATE ON YOUR APPLICATION FORM WHICH POST YOU ARE APPLYING FOR
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and who understands that positive relationships are fundamental to successful learning.

The successful candidate will work closely with the class teacher and SENDCo to support the child to access learning, develop emotional regulation, build confidence and independence. The role will involve implementing strategies and provision identified within the child's EHCP and SEN support plan, while promoting inclusion and participation within the wider classroom and school community.

We are looking for someone who

• Has experience of supporting children with SEMH needs and/or children who experience difficulties with emotional regulation and behaviour.
• Is calm, patient, consistent and nurturing in their approach.
• Can develop positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Understands the importance of a relational and trauma-informed approach.
• Can recognise potential triggers and respond appropriately to signs of dysregulation.
• Has high expectations of children while recognising and responding to individual barriers to learning.
• Can support children to develop strategies for emotional regulation and increasing independence.
• Is able to work effectively alongside teachers, the SENDCo, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Has experience of phonics and early writing.
• Is reflective and willing to develop their knowledge and understanding of SEMH needs.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and inclusion of all children.

Why Join Clapgate Primary School?

At Clapgate, we value the vital role teaching assistants play in helping pupils become confident, independent learners. Our recent Ofsted inspection (July 2024) recognised our outstanding personal development and Early Years provision, highlighting our welcoming community and high ambitions for every pupil, including those with SEND.

At Clapgate Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that children with SEND are supported to Nurture, Educate, Support and Thrive.

You will be part of our wider therapeutic team and will receive support from experienced colleagues, including the class teacher and SENDCo. We are committed to developing staff knowledge and skills and creating a positive, inclusive environment in which both children and adults can flourish.

We offer

• A happy, motivated, and friendly staff team.
• Enthusiastic pupils, eager to learn.
• A vibrant, creative atmosphere that celebrates innovation.
• Supportive leadership committed to raising standards and improving children's lives.
• A rich, creative curriculum with distinctive golden threads.
• Comprehensive TA training and weekly collaboration time with class teachers.
• A robust appraisal process supporting your professional growth.

Application Information

• Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 19th October 2026
• Interviews: Tuesday 3rd November 2026

To request an application pack, please email: clapgaterecruit@clapgateprimaryschool.org or call the school office on 0113 2716700

Completed applications to be sent to the same email or delivered by hand/post to the school.

We would welcome visits to school from prospective applicants. Please contact the school to arrange a visit or to discuss the role further.

If you are ready to make a positive impact and join a school where every member is valued,

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children's barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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