We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who are committed to our vision for education and individuals who support our Russett values. We believe that our values are the foundation from which we grow and develop.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Caring in nature; someone who values a nurturing approach
- Positive in their attitude and disposition
- Committed and keen to learn all about SEN, in particular pupils who have severe and complex learning needs.
- Motivated to support our learners, someone who wants to makes difference
- An excellent team player who enjoys working collaboratively with others
Our pupils would like someone who is:
Funny, happy, caring, keeps us safe and helps us to learn!"
We value……. Community – Resilience – Wellbeing – Respect - Empowerment
At the Russett School we seek to prepare our learners for life through prioritising skills required to meet their full potential. Through our specialist curriculum, our children and young people are empowered through a strong emphasis on the development of individual communication strategies and life skills. Our Russett team provide enriching and safe environments, where our pupils are encouraged to develop independence, whilst promoting well-being for a happy and fulfilled future.
The Russett School is a specialist setting registered for pupils aged 2 to 19 years whose primary need is associated with having a Severe Learning Difficulty (also known as SLD) and/or Complex Learning Needs. We are also part of Shaw Education Trust.
Our curriculum is bespoke. This means that it has been carefully designed specifically for learners who have SLD. It has been written to meet the varying needs of pupils who first and foremost have a severe impairment in relation to their cognitive function and or learning ability.
The Russett School also supports pupils who may have further needs in addition to their severe learning difficulty. For example; some of our pupils have severe communication and interaction needs.
Pupils at Russett undertake learning activities within classes in mixed ability groups of around 11 pupils with peers similar in age.
Class sizes are generally supported by 4 adult adults (one class teacher and three Teaching Assistants).
Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen
At Shaw Education Trust, 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 extraordinary.
We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Sponsored by the charity Shaw Trust, our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.
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 thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.
At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.
Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Actual Salary: £18,685 - £19,280 Pay Award Pending
Working hours: 32.5 hours, Term time only plus 5 inset days working 39 weeks per year
The Russett School 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.