Teaching Assistant

We are seeking enthusiastic and innovative colleagues to join our 3-19 special school to provide specialist support to maximise pupil development and achievement. We are seeking a committed and attentive Teaching Assistant to support pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Working under the direction of teaching staff and other professionals, you will help pupils access learning, promote independence, and contribute to a positive, inclusive classroom environment. We offer a supportive team environment and excellent opportunities for training and professional development across our family of special schools. The successful applicants must be willing to complete training including support for pupils with medical interventions. Please see the person specification to find out more about the essential and desirable requirements for this job. If you feel you have what it takes to fulfil this rewarding role, we would welcome an application. George Hastwell School At George Hastwell School, we are committed to creating an environment where every child feels supported, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to provide individualised learning pathways that cater to the unique strengths and needs of each pupil. Our school vision, "An enriching journey to individual success," guides everything we do. From the moment a child joins us, we aim to provide them with a happy and nurturing environment where they feel safe to explore, challenge themselves, and grow. We are also deeply rooted in our values-based ethos. At George Hastwell School, we teach our pupils to value themselves and others, helping them to become positive and active members of the community with the social and emotional skills they need to thrive in life. George Hastwell School is part of the Eden Academy Trust, a family of special schools working together within one Multi Academy Trust. Through careful and deliberate growth, the Trust has developed a community of schools that collaborate to integrate the best educational and therapeutic practices. Together, they create an organisation that places children at the heart of everything it does. A place where parents and carers can look to the future with optimism and confidence, and where staff feel their skills and careers are nurtured and developed like nowhere else. Location George Hastwell School, located on Walney Island, situated in the Irish Sea just off the west coast of England, stretches over 11 miles, offering a delightful variety of beaches to explore and enjoy. It boasts expansive sandy stretches during low tide, connecting to the North Walney Nature Reserve through a series of sandy dunes. These beaches provide an excellent setting for family fun, nature exploration, and the opportunity to witness some of the UK’s most breathtaking sunsets. GHS is linked to Barrow in Furness by the Jubilee Bridge spanning the Walney Channel, being the largest island among the Furness Islands group. Walney Island has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Furness Peninsula and the island’s natural shelter serves as a crucial factor in the development of the nearby extensive shipbuilding yards. If you would like more information please email josieharkin@georgehastwell.org.uk or visit our vacancy section of our website (https://georgehastwell.org.uk/contact-us/vacancies/). Safeguarding The Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Diversity At Eden Academy Trust, we value and actively embrace diversity. We believe that a diverse school community strengthens learning, enriches experiences, and helps every child thrive. Across our schools, we are committed to creating a culture where all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background are respected, represented, and supported. We understand the role of inclusive education in preparing young people for a complex and diverse society. We challenge discrimination, recognise and celebrate difference, and work continuously to promote equity and opportunity in everything we do. Our commitment to inclusion runs through our curriculum, our staffing and leadership, our policies, and our day-to-day interactions. We strive to practise cultural humility, anti-racism, and equitable approaches that meet the needs of all our pupils.