As a Teaching Assistant within our Supported Living Pathway, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to deliver a high-quality education programme for young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of a personalised curriculum, helping to prepare young people for their transition into adulthood and enabling them to lead their best possible adult lives. This includes supporting engagement in learning, communication, independence skills, and meaningful daily activities.
The role involves working collaboratively with teachers, parents/carers and external professionals to ensure each young person receives a relevant and holistic learning experience that meets their individual needs and aspirations.
You will also support learners with complex autism, particularly those who require high-energy engagement and physical support as part of a structured sensory approach. This may include supporting individuals who present behaviours of concern, requiring patience, consistency, and a positive, proactive approach.
Newfriars College aim is to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16–25.
We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.
Our College works in partnership with Shaw Education Trust who believe that “every young person can achieve great things, whatever their abilities and whatever their background”.
Join Newfriars School – In Partnership with Shaw Education Trust
Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen
At Newfriars School, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something truly special.
Newfriars School works in partnership with Shaw Education Trust, giving our staff access to the same high-quality professional development opportunities, networks, and staff benefits while remaining proud employees of Newfriars School.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to develop as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
By working in partnership with Shaw Education Trust, you will benefit from being part of a wider collaborative network of schools, where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. This partnership strengthens the support available to our staff while allowing Newfriars School to maintain its unique identity and community focus.
We are driven by our vision for a society in which young people with disabilities are able to realise their potential and are given the skills, support and assurance to have a better future.
Actual Salary: £20,866 - £22,987 based on 32.5 hours TT plus Inset
Working hours: 32.5 (Part time applications are welcome, minimum 3 days, up to 5 days – 32.5 hours)
Safeguarding Statement:
Newfriars College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, click here to review Safeguarding and Pupil Protection Policy https://www.shaw-education.org.uk/our-trust/key-information
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.
An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.
We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an on-going basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.
Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.