Job Description

Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant (SEND)

September 2026 start date

The Birtenshaw Group is looking to recruit a number of dedicated and enthusiastic, Teaching Assistants / Learning Support Assistants to support the teachers in creating a learning environment that stimulates and encourages the best possible progress and the highest possible attainment for all pupils.

The School:

The physical environment is of vital consideration when setting the climate for learning. The buildings are airy and spacious and provide a calm and safe environment in which pupils can thrive.

The extensive facilities include: sensory soft play rooms, multi-sensory rooms with immersive technology, sensory integration room, rebound therapy room and two hydrotherapy pools with multi-sensory sound and light system..

Class sizes are small, on average 8 to 10 pupils. Each class is led by a suitably qualified teacher with experience of meeting the complex needs of pupils, who is supported by a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants in order to maintain routines and consistent approaches.

Please Note: To be considered for this role you must be able to support pupils in all therapy and curriculum activities including but not limited to swimming pool and sports activities.

Hours of work:

Term Time contract

38.5 hours per week (x 38 weeks) plus 2 training weeks of 37 hours, totalling 1565.5 hours paid for inclusive of annual leave.

Full Time contract

Please be aware that this contract option is not a term time only position. You will be paid for 37 hours per week during each 12 month period inclusive of annual leave.

The core hours of work during term time (38 weeks) are 38.5 per week (8.30 am until 4.00 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8.30 am until 5.00 pm on a Wednesday) plus 2 training weeks at 37 hours.

Additional hours must be worked outside of school term time or by assisting with transport runs before and/or after school hours.

Salary: £25,816 - £26,682 per annum, pro rata (£13.38 - £13.83 per hour) plus the opportunity to earn an additional £1650 per annum for additional responsibilities.

Training:

Staff will receive all the training they require to fulfil their role. Training takes place during weekdays and staff must be available to attend introductory mandatory training and refresher training as required. Training dates are issued in advance.

Why work for Birtenshaw?

The Birtenshaw staff team is highly committed and dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled people. You will be working with colleagues who are resilient, energetic, caring and who enjoy their roles.

There are clear career opportunities for advancement within a growing organisation which puts the service users at the heart of all we do.

In addition you can expect:

• Competitive pay scale with opportunities for additional overtime

• Pay increase on completion of relevant qualification or if already have a relevant qualification upon completion of probationary period

• Additional payments for additional responsibilities up to £1650 per annum

• Staff Recognition Schemes – employee of the month, refer a friend, long service plus nominations for national awards

• Staff Council – a forum in which staff from all sections of the organisation can suggest and initiate change

• Salary Protection Scheme in the event of longer-term absence from work due to illness or injury (contracted staff)

• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a 24-hour advice line offering support on a range of life and work, money and family issues and 24 hour medical support including online GP appointments, physiotherapy and mental health support and counselling (contracted staff)

• Discount schemes for local and national shops and services

• Free Enhanced DBS check

• BPTAA - Birtenshaw school Bolton has been awarded the 'Best Practice with Teaching Assistants' award.

Closing Date: 30/06/2026 at 9am

Interviews: 08/07/2026 and 10/07/2026

All employees are required to commit to implementing Birtenshaw Group policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of children and adults

The Birtenshaw Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users and expects all employees to share and uphold this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, this means that any potential employee is still required to disclose what would normally be considered a “spent” conviction.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in confidence and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via DBS website.

All offers of employment are made subject to safeguarding / pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, pre-employment medical, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

You may have experience of the following: Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant, SEND Learning Support Assistant, Pupil Support Assistant, Education Support Worker, Specialist Teaching Assistant, Complex Needs Support Worker, Classroom Assistant, Education Welfare Assistant, Student Support Worker, Child Support Practitioner

REF-(Apply online only)