ASD Support Assistant

We are seeking to appoint colleagues who can support pupils with ASD both within the specialist provision (ARP) and the wider school. You will assist with the whole-school development of ASD and provide classroom support by responding to pupils’ needs under the direction of the classroom teacher.

We have three posts available (term time only plus 5 training days and part-time, 35 hours per week):

• 2x permanent posts
• 1x fixed-term post to cover maternity until 6 February 2026

To be successful, you will:

• Have experience of supporting pupils in a learning environment.
• Hold an NVQ Level 2 or 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent or experience.
• Have experience of using ICT to support pupils in the classroom, including school IT systems and Microsoft Office.
• Have the ability to demonstrate emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours.

Benfield School is a fully inclusive 11–16 school with a distinct ethos and a strong sense of support and loyalty. Excellent relationships between students and staff and a purposeful learning environment are evident in lessons and around the modernised site. With this foundation, our students have a strong platform to be confident, happy and able to achieve their aspirations.

Our school is one of seven primary and secondary schools within the NEAT Academy Trust family of schools. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East. We have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

In return, we offer:

• Great opportunities for continuing professional development and a career pathway across the trust.
• A team of hardworking, dedicated and friendly staff where everyone is valued.
• The benefit of working in a highly collaborative multi-academy trust.
• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, which the trust also contributes to on your behalf.
• Recognition of previous service with other schools, academies, local government, etc.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) delivered by Health Assured – the UK and Ireland’s leading wellbeing provider.
• Good public transport links via Tyne and Wear Metro and road links from the A19 and A1058 Coast Road.

If you would like to join us and feel you could thrive in a collegiate and positive atmosphere, click to apply.

Closing date: 15 January 2025.

NEAT Academy Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required for all posts.