SEND Support Assistant and Playworker

We're looking for a caring, patient and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about making a difference. You will have experience working with children and be skilled at building positive relationships, adapting support to meet individual needs and creating an environment where every child feels valued and included. Experience of supporting children with SEND is desirable.

At Upwood Primary Academy, we believe in Working Hard, Dreaming Big! and helping every child become the very best version of themselves. Our welcoming school community is built on the values of Gratitude, Respect, Optimism and Wonder, and we are looking for someone who will bring these values to life every day. Staff benefit from a collaborative team culture, a strong focus on wellbeing and opportunities for professional development as part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to children's lives every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Why work for us?:
Join Thomas Deacon Education Trust and be part of a dedicated team committed to "working together to transform lives through education."
At TDET, 95% of our new employees highly rate our induction programme. Benefit from the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, ensuring you feel welcomed and well-prepared from day one. According to our 2025 staff survey, 91% of staff are proud to work for TDET!
Ready to transform lives through education? Apply now and make a difference!
TDET - Working together to transform lives through education
Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
At Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all contributions are valued.

Contract: Permanent
Hours: 30 hours (including 5 hours a week as a Playworker), 39 weeks (term time plus one week)
Working Pattern: 8.30am - 3.45pm Monday to Friday (This will include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and 1 hour as a Playworker)
Salary: Pathway 3, £16,289 - £17,371 per annum (FTE £28,153 - £30,023)
plus Playworker salary - Pathway 1 £2,888 per annum (FTE £25,614)
Site: Upwood Primary Academy
Closing date: 9am on Monday 19th Oct
Start date: ASAP
Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.
Passionate about helping children with additional needs thrive?
Can you inspire Gratitude, Respect, Optimism and Wonder in young learners?
Ready to make every day a positive experience for children?
If so, Upwood Primary Academy would love to hear from you.
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