Teaching Assistant – SEND Specialist Room (Sunflowers)

Email:   [email protected]

• Salary – Scale D, £13.47-£13.68 per hour
• Temporary for 1 year with the option to extend for the right candidate
• Part time
• Up to 32.5 hours per week
• Term Time plus 1 week
• Required for September 2026 

Lakenham Primary and Nursery School is excited to invite applications for a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our SEND Specialist Room, supporting autistic, and currently predominantly non‑verbal children. We welcome applicants with confidence and experience in an SEND or EYFs setting.  

We are seeking a warm, professional, and adaptable individual who:  

• Communicates effectively with both children and adults  
• Brings a caring, child‑centred approach  
• Is reliable, well‑organised, and demonstrates excellent timekeeping  
• Has a positive attitude and a good sense of humour  
• Holds strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE Grade C or equivalent)  
• Is a graduate or an experienced Teaching Assistant (preferred)  
• Understands the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and can apply this to ensure that the children within Sunflowers have access to the foundational skills that they require to progress at their level  
• Can support children’s progress through high‑quality interactions and a nurturing presence  
• Has experience working with children with special needs  

About Us 

Lakenham Primary and Nursery School is a vibrant, welcoming school within easy reach of central Norwich. Our team is committed, supportive, and enthusiastic. We embrace a strong ‘can‑do culture’, where staff and pupils work together to overcome challenges and celebrate every success.  

We genuinely do laugh every day — and we want someone who will enjoy being part of our community.  

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Mrs Cassandra Williams, Headteacher. We warmly encourage visits to the school.  

How to apply 

To download an application form, click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button.

Completed forms should be returned to – [email protected]

Please note: we do not accept CVs.  

Closing date:  4 September 2026, 9am

Interview date:  9 September 2026

We are strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and ensuring equality of opportunity. All applicants must be prepared to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction declaration, which may include information protected under the Exceptions Orders. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.