Teaching Assistant (Specialist Support Unit)

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom Department: School Support Staff jobs

Gorseland Primary School

Address: Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3QR

Salary: £26,402 - £28,142 per annum (pro rata)

Hours: 32.5 hours per week (8.30 am - 3.30 pm,  Monday – Friday), 38 weeks per year.

Contract: Permanent, from 1 December 2026 or before

Reference: 5661

Gorseland Primary School are seeking to appoint a Grade 3 Teaching Assistant within the Specialist Support Unit (SSU).

Our Specialist Unit consists of

Reception and Key Stage One Specialist Unit

Key Stage Two Cognition and Learning Unit

The children are grouped into class bases according to their age and development and not just their age. This would be in our Sparrowhawks class which is a mixed age Key Stage 2 class with a formal learning environment in line with the children’s abilities.

The role will involve, but not be limited to

supporting the class teacher with the children’s’ learning and smooth running of the classroom

working with groups of children or individuals under the direction of the class teacher

reporting back to the class teacher on how well the children have made progress

supporting children who are dysregulated

liaising with different stake holders

attending CPD to further knowledge in SEND and how children learn

helping the children to learn social skills throughout the day, including playtime and lunchtime.

We need to recruit a Teaching Assistant who

has knowledge and experience of SEND, including autism, ADHD, communication difficulties and global developmental delay

has the ability to work as part of a team, with a range of stakeholders

is flexible, enthusiastic, skilled and committed to working with children with SEN demonstrating kindness and patience

has proven ability to skilfully facilitate positive behaviour

GCSE Grades A-C in English and maths or equivalent

considerable expertise or specialism in assisting the progress of children with Special Educational Needs.

For more information

Gorseland Primary School is in the Kesgrave / Martlesham area. Please look at our website www.gorseland.net where you can find out more about the school.

How to apply

Please read the Application Guidance for School Support Staff (Word) and complete the Application Form for School Support Staff (Word), which should be submitted by email to [email protected] .

Closing date:  9 am, 4 November 2026.

Gorseland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.