September 2026 – July 2027

Teaching Assistant – Full Time – Workington

We are looking for a dedicated, full‑time Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a KS2 pupil who is working at a significantly lower developmental level. The child is non‑verbal and communicates through body language and vocalisations. They are unable to access the curriculum through teacher‑led activities and instead engage best through exploration‑based learning. Their attention span is very short, and they are only able to remain focused for a few minutes at a time unless the activity is self‑chosen. This also applies during carpet time, where they can usually sit alongside peers for only a couple of minutes. The child’s current 1:1 support uses the engagement curriculum to plan personalised, sensory‑based activities. The child presents similarly to a toddler in their developmental stage and may push activities away when they are not interested. They are not an aggressive child; however, they are significantly developmentally delayed and require a patient, consistent and nurturing approach.

About this Teaching Assistant role

Job Details:

You will be working on a 1:1 basis with a KS2 child who is working at a much earlier developmental stage. The child is:

  • Non-verbal, communicating through body language and vocalisations
  • Able to engage best through exploration-based, sensory learning
  • Only able to focus for a few minutes at a time unless the activity is self-chosen
  • Likely to sit with peers for only short periods during carpet time
  • Not aggressive, but significantly developmentally delayed and may push activities away when uninterested

The current 1:1 support uses the engagement curriculum to plan personalised, sensory-rich activities that meet the child’s needs. The successful candidate will continue this approach, helping the child explore, interact and develop at their own pace.


Key Responsibilities

  • Providing consistent, nurturing 1:1 support throughout the school day
  • Planning and delivering sensory-based, exploratory activities
  • Supporting the child’s communication through observation, modelling and responsive interaction
  • Creating a calm, safe and engaging environment
  • Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider staff team
  • Encouraging small steps of progress and celebrating every achievement

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience supporting children with SEND, developmental delay or non-verbal communication
  • A patient, calm and compassionate approach
  • Confidence using sensory and exploratory learning strategies
  • Ability to follow the engagement curriculum (training can be provided)
  • Someone who can build trust, offer consistency and respond sensitively to the child’s needs
  • Reliability, resilience and a genuine passion for helping children thrive

Why Work with Hannett Hale Recruitment?

  • Local, friendly agency run by two mums with 20+ years’ experience in education
  • Supportive, honest and personalised service
  • Competitive pay rates
  • 24/7 support from your dedicated consultant
  • Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles across Cumbria

If you are a caring, committed Teaching Assistant looking to make a real difference in a child’s life, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a friendly chat about the role.

 

Contract: September 2026 – July 2027

Location: Workington

Hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm

Pay: £14.50–£15.00 per hour (DOE)

Start date: 2026-09-02

End date: 2027-07-23

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