Inclusion Teaching Assistant

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our OFSTED Outstanding Special School in a period of rapid development. 

Briarwood has a dedicated team of staff, governors and parents/carers who are proud to support 167, rising to 233 in September 2026, children and young people aged 3 to 19 years and are passionate about their progress, happiness and care.

We are looking for dynamic, committed and talented Inclusion Teaching Assistants, to support our Inclusion and Support Workers in the delivery of an outstanding Different Education Provision for pupils within Bristol and the surrounding area. Children and young people with very complex needs, sometimes require something a bit different in their educational journey. 

Briarwood’s Reach & Connect service provides opportunities for children and young people to Enjoy, Engage and Learn outside of the classroom, but always with a focus on reintegration back into the most appropriate provision for them. Our offer is designed to work with the pupil, family and school, to better understand their needs and make integration into school a more positive and successful experience. Our Inclusion Support Workers and their Assistants will support us in this aim.

Our ideal candidates will: 

• Embody our values and drive forward this new provision with positivity, professionalism and a determined commitment to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people. 
• Understand the need for empathy, flexibility and sensitivity as we re-engage some of the most complex and vulnerable pupils allowing them to achieve well and enjoy success. 
• Show determination and ambition for all children and young people, holding them in unconditional positive regard believing that they can achieve and make progress. 
• Demonstrate optimism, resilience and boundless patience. 
• Be excited to truly make a difference to pupils who may have a range of additional needs. 
• Establish positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff in line with the school’s vision and values. 
• Assist in providing high quality pastoral support to the young people who access the Reach & Connect service. 
• Ensure they follow the objectives, conduct and policies of Briarwood School.
• The successful candidates will work alongside Briarwood Reach & Connect staff to implement effective practice for pupils who may be disengaged from education to ensure they are provided for in the most effective ways. 

Due to the nature of the different provision contract if outreach work is not available, appropriate responsibilities will be found within the school.

Why Join Briarwood?

At Briarwood, we believe every child deserves opportunities to enjoy, engage and learn in ways that work for them.

Make a Real Difference - Transform the lives of children and young people with complex SEND needs.

Invest in Your Professional Growth - Benefit from extensive training, career development opportunities and a culture that encourages learning and progression.

Health and wellbeing matters - All Briarwood staff are entitled to a well being day on completion of their probation period. Another well being day can also be granted based on additional twilight training attendance.

Join an Outstanding Team - Work alongside dedicated, highly skilled colleagues in a supportive environment where relationships, inclusion and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do

The role is a full time permanent post, 32.5 hours per week, 6.5 hours per day, plus a 30 minute unpaid lunch break, 8.45am to 3.45pm. Term time only, working 39 weeks (including 5 inset days), 13 weeks school holidays of which 6.6 weeks paid as annual leave. No entitlement to annual leave during term. Salary dependent on Local Government continuous service. 

Closing Date: 7th October 2026

Interview Date: 20th October 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible 

Briarwood School is committed to providing Equal Opportunities for its pupils and staff and safeguarding children. All employees must have an enhanced DBS clearance (this will be carried out by the school if you are successful).