Teaching Assistant

• TA_1___Play_Worker_-_July_2025

How to Apply - Only applications received on Bracknell Forest application forms will be considered.

Safeguarding Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves contact with (or access to data concerning) children.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. If you are successful in being shortlisted for this position, you will be required to complete a self-declaration formTo find out more about the application process for working with children, young people and adults at risk visit https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs/policies-relating-job-applications/applications-work-those-risk

The Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) oversees the safety and well-being of children in Bracknell Forest - https://bracknellforestsafeguarding.org.uk/

Equal Opportunities - We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Our aim is to treat all employees and prospective employees with integrity, respect and consideration.

Disability - We are a Disability Symbol User and as such have made a commitment to guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria of the person specification.

We will make reasonable adjustments to help a person with a disability through the application & selection process and, if successful, to assist you in carrying out the duties of your job.

Pre–employment medical check - As a condition of the Offer of Employment, the successful applicant will be asked to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire form.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess whether you have any medical problems that may affect your ability to undertake the role. If necessary reasonable adjustments or modifications will be suggested to assist you in carrying out the duties of the job.

References - On your application form you will be asked to provide the names and addresses of two people who will provide a reference. At least one must be from your current employer, completed by a suitable person with appropriate authority. We take up references for all shortlisted candidates and wherever possible we like to apply for these prior to interview.

Employment - Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.

Do you want to make a real difference to children’s lives? Do you want to work with likeminded people who put children at the heart of what they do? Do you like working hard and seeing the impact of your work? Are you looking for something new and rewarding? If you have answered YES to any of these, then we might be the right fit for you.

The Pines Primary School is a 1 form entry primary school with a specialist resource provision and a Nursery. We have children from a wide range of backgrounds and also have an above national % for pupils with SEND. We are proud of what we do to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We use an approach of continuous provision in EYFS and KS1 as we believe in the importance of learning through play. We have also recently introduced OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) into our lunchtimes. At The Pines, we believe children can thrive when their needs are met and when they have high quality provisions throughout the school.

We are looking for a person who shares our values, has energy and resilience, as well as a willingness to try new ideas. We want people who will bring the joy. We are keen to find someone who is patient, creative, can work well in our team and is enthusiastic about supporting children to reach their full potential, whatever that might look like for each child.

We need a Teaching Assistant who: -

• Has a passion for the personal development of all pupils.

• Is willing to learn. Experience is not necessary. Previous experience of working with children with SEND in an educational setting is desirable but not essential. We welcome experience with Early Years.

• Can provide tailored support for children under the guidance of our team, enabling children to access the curriculum

• Has a willingness to be flexible, no day will be the same

• Is able to work collaboratively with others

• Is calm, patient and empathetic

• Is resilient and understands that behaviour is communication but that is it usually not personal

• Will promote the welfare of all children and adults and the importance of safeguarding

Our children would like someone who:

• Makes us feel safe and understands us

• Is kind, even if we make the wrong choices

• Has high expectations for us

• Who helps us to feel confident to take risks, to challenge ourselves and who believes we can achieve

The successful candidate will join a team who are passionate about engaging and inspiring young people in their learning and will have the chance to be based in our SRP.

The Pines had Ofsted in 2023 and received a GOOD grading. We are well resourced and we have extensive outside space along with a gym, 2 halls and rooms for ELSA and other interventions. There are currently 310 children on roll. At The Pines there has been rapid improvement in the quality of education, behaviour & attitudes and personal development We will continue to focus on improving the outcomes for our children. This is an exciting time to join us and our amazing team.

We can offer you:

• Welcoming, supportive school community with a family atmosphere

• An inclusive ethos and a chance to be based in a more specialist setting

• Happy, motivated children who enjoy coming to school

• Ongoing training and professional development. Opportunities to observe and be mentored by other experienced members of the team. Avenues to grow

• Supportive parents who engage positively in the improvement of the school

• A team who value the importance of educating the whole child

• We are on a bus route and are a short walk from our local shop

• We are a team that enjoy varied school social life

Closing date: Friday 11th July 12 noon

Shortlisting: Monday 14th July 2025

Interview: Wednesday 16th July 2025

Hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm, 32.5 hours per week, term time + 3 days

Actual Salary: £17,615 to £17,891 + £526 London Weighting

(Bracknell Grade K: SCP2 – SCP3 £23,656 - £24,027 FTE + LW)

Visits are actively encouraged. Please contact Katie Wade, SRP SENCo, should you require any further information.  k.wade@thepinesschool.org.uk

Start date – September 2025

At The Pines we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. We reserve the right to close the advertisement before the published date should a suitable candidate be found.