Salary: Outer London Support Staff PayScale (SP11-SP20) Pro Rata: £22,321.51 - £24,300.98 (FTE £27,729.00- £30,188.00)
Location: Bedelsford Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, Morden SM4 6PX
Working Pattern: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm and Wednesday 8.30am – 4.30pm, 33.75 hours per week, term time only.
Start date: September 2025
The Department for Education (DfE) granted permission for Bedelsford School to open a temporary satellite site for children with special education needs in the London Borough of Merton in September 2025. Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will have capacity for 40 places in the first year with the potential to increase up to 80 children over a three-year period. The provision will be for children who have a range of moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. This is likely to include Speech Language and Communication Needs and may also include Autism Spectrum Conditions and other associated areas of need.
The DfE has also given approval for OHCAT to open a brand new purpose-built Free School in Merton and the aim is that pupils and staff will transfer across to the new Free School when it is completed.
We are looking for passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join the team at our new satellite site. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our learners. You will provide tailored support to students with diverse learning needs, helping them access the curriculum, engage in classroom activities, and develop their social, emotional, and academic skills. Your role will be key in creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere where each student feels supported and valued.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide excellent learning support under the teacher's direction
• Assist with personal care needs as per school procedures
• Administer medical interventions as required
• Support teaching and learning activities, including the use of ICT and communication aids
• Help manage the classroom, ensuring a supportive learning environment
• Follow school policies, guidelines, and the Code of Conduct
• Collaborate with the school team, fostering positive relationships and teamwork
Key Requirements:
• GCSE grade A – C or equivalent in Literacy and Numeracy
• Experience of working with, or caring for children
• Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills in relation to SEN including medical and personal care needs
Rewards & Benefits:
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Employee referral scheme
• Membership to Discounts for Teachers
• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
• Comprehensive training and development
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured
• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
• Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team
• Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.
Our Trust
The Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will be a satellite provision to Bedelsford School, which is part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
To Apply click the 'Fast Apply' Button
Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.
Closing Date: 14th May 2025
Interviews will take place on: Week Commencing 19th May 2025
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.