General Teaching Assistant

Company: Forest School
Apply for the General Teaching Assistant
Location: Knaresborough
Job Description:

Responsibilities

  • Support pupils not only with differentiated learning activities, but also with personal, medical, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Learning & Participation: Support tailored learning activities, use structured observation to give feedback on pupil progress, and use careful questioning to boost thinking skills.
  • Care & Wellbeing: Carry out vital personal care duties (including toileting, hygiene, dressing and feeding) and administer daily or emergency medication while maintaining meticulous records.
  • Therapy & Support: Work with specialist equipment (e.g., hoisting, walking and lifting devices) to implement care and therapy programmes designed by professionals.
  • Behaviour & Engagement: Apply positive behaviour management strategies and support the social and emotional wellbeing of our pupils.
  • Environment & Resources: Prepare classroom materials, assist with ICT and escort pupils on educational visits.

Qualifications

  • NVQ Level 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent), or a willingness to achieve this within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Excellent communication and team working skills, alongside strong reading, writing, numeracy and ICT abilities.
  • Emotional resilience when managing challenging or complex behaviours and the ability to find solutions under pressure.
  • Absolute commitment to safeguarding, professional boundaries, equality and diversity.
  • An awareness of child development and the unique needs of children with learning, sensory or physical difficulties.
  • Previous experience working with children and young people.

About The School

The Forest School is a well-established and highly regarded special school in Knaresborough, catering to pupils aged 3 to 16 with a range of complex special educational needs. We are committed to providing the highest quality education within a happy, caring, and safe environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are committed to professional development and invest significantly in staff training at all levels. While experience in an SEND setting would be an advantage, we provide specialist support and training for outstanding candidates. This role is physically demanding yet rewarding.

EEO Statement

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Application Requirements

All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be taken and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates prior to attendance interview.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived/ worked overseas in the last five years, you may be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in.

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Posted: July 14th, 2026