Teaching Assistant - Speech and Language

Job Title: Teaching Assistant – Speech and Language

Location: E-ACT Merchants’ Academy Secondary, Bristol

E-ACT Merchants' Academy Secondary - Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Courage

Merchants’ Academy has a distinctive and positive ethos which guides our work and the education of our students. Preparation for adult life underpins our Academy aims and the well-developed culture which is established across all aspects and functions of the Academy.

Join us in Opening Minds, Opening Doors!  

Are you ready to delve into an exciting role within a dynamic finance team? We believe in fuelling innovative ideas and fostering collaboration across our trust. We are excited to welcome a dedicated and passionate finance professional to join our national team and contribute to the success of our forward-thinking multi-academy trust.  

Our national teams play a crucial role to support our academies across England. You will be part of an exceptional support network that makes a difference to our children's educational experience – which is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking to appoint passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant – Speech and Language to join our academy, to support pupils with SEND and to ensure that every child succeeds.  Please note the role will also involve working 1-1 and with small groups of children as part of the class team.

Key responsibilities: 

• Work with individuals or small groups of pupils in the classroom under the direct supervision of teaching staff
• Supervise and provide particular support for pupils, including those with special needs, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities
• Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher
• Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment in accordance with lesson plans and assist with the display of pupils’ work 
• Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement and progress as directed

Pay range: NJC SP5 - SP7 £19740.91 - £20,373.19 per annum (FTE £24,790 to £25,584 per annum)

33.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Qualifications and Skills:

• TA2 Qualification or equivalent
• Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 -9 or equivalent
• Relevant experience in a similar role
• Experience of working with children who have a wide variety of educational needs
• Ability to model acceptable behaviours and encourage good social skills

What are we about? 

Strategic Vision: We firmly believe that coming from a disadvantaged background should not determine your future, and our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ (OMOD) strategy is about creating the conditions where children, young people and staff can thrive.   

Outstanding Leadership: Leadership is the key to unlocking exceptional outcomes for our team and the communities we engage with. We lead by example, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

Inclusive Excellence: We are developing a people-first culture, celebrating the diversity of our team and the broader community. Co-construct the essence of an extraordinary workplace that values and leverages the unique contributions of each team member. 

System Leadership: Our ambition is to transform the lives of individuals and communities across the trust. We are though leaders on topics important to our communities and offer sector wide

support to drive change. 

National Collaboration: Our exceptional team members share, and problem solve together across all functions. You will have the opportunity to share your skills, hear from experts and work with staff across the country to develop your practice.   

About E-ACT:  

Join a trust that is going places! 

Having recently won TES team of the Year 2024, and MAT of the Year 2023 at both the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, this is a very exciting time to join us! Why do we feel we have been recognised as a strong MAT? It is down to our dedicated, talented staff that are committed in delivering nothing but excellence for all of our children and young people.  

We all pride ourselves in fostering a people-first culture, which extends to all our pupils, staff, and stakeholders. We are proud to lead a community of 38 academies, educating of over 25,000 pupils across our five core hubs. Our staff satisfaction is above national benchmarks and we run a range of projects and programmes to address key topics such as workload and wellbeing. 

Our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy is at the forefront of everything we do, we don’t just prepare our pupils for the world; we equip them to thrive and succeed within it. Through our collaborative approach to education, we aim to open doors to a world of opportunities, where every child can pursue their dreams. 

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk   

Benefits:  

Collaborative Working: Thrive in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collective success.  

Support System of 38 Academies: Be part of a network of 38 academies, providing a dedicated support system and opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counselling services, providing emotional support and guidance when needed.  

Cycle to Work: Enjoy a healthy commute with our cycle-to-work programme, making bicycles more affordable.  

Generous Pension: Secure your future with a robust pension plan, ensuring financial well-being during retirement.  

Holiday Entitlement: Enjoy 31 days annual leave plus statutory Bank Holidays. 

How to apply:  

Simply follow this link to apply for the role  

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing and returning our application and equal opportunities form.