Teaching Assistant

Salary £25,583 - £26,403 per annum Type of vacancy Permanent Work pattern Full Time - Term Time Only Hours per week 35 Work Base Clayfields House Secure Unit, Nottingham, NG9 8GU Working Arrangements School Based Job Description / Person Specification Competency Framework Tier 7a Number of posts 1 Interview date Week Commencing 20/04/2026 Closing Date 13 April 2026 23:55 The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Be there for young people — and we’ll be there for you. Join Clayfields House as a Teaching Assistant and play a vital role in supporting young people to re-engage with learning, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes within a supportive, rewarding, and purpose-driven environment.

Job Summary

At Clayfields House, you won’t just support learning — you’ll help change lives. Working alongside teachers and a skilled multidisciplinary team, you will support young people to overcome barriers, develop independence, and rediscover their potential through education. We are looking for a committed and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our centre of excellence, supporting education programmes for young people with complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

Clayfields House is a secure children’s home providing intensive support for young people aged 10–17 who may be vulnerable, at risk to themselves or others, or placed in secure accommodation due to offending behaviour. Education is central to their personal development, helping them build confidence, develop positive behaviours, and create stronger pathways for the future — and that’s where you come in.

About the Role

Working under the guidance of teaching and senior staff, you will support the delivery of education programmes both in and outside the classroom. You will work with individuals and small groups, helping young people remain engaged in learning while maintaining a safe and structured environment. This is a unique role requiring patience, adaptability, and resilience, where no two days are the same.

Key Responsibilities

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support educational programmes with individuals and small groups of young people.
• Assist teachers in delivering lessons across the curriculum and preparing learning resources.
• Promote independent learning through differentiated activities and flexible approaches.
• Monitor and record pupil progress and responses to learning activities.
• Support young people with special educational needs, mental health needs, and additional learning needs.
• Work 1:1 with young people who may be distressed or displaying challenging behaviour.
• Help maintain safety, security, and routines within the secure setting.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications & Knowledge

• GCSEs (Grade 4–9/A–C) or equivalent in English and Maths (or Functional Skills Level 2).
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Understanding of special educational needs and social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable).

Experience

• Experience supporting young people at Key Stage 3 or 4
• Experience supporting young people who present complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Experience managing difficult or unpredictable situations calmly and safely.

Skills & Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Builds positive and respectful relationships with young people.
• Communicates confidently with colleagues.
• Uses effective behaviour management and motivational strategies.
• Works well independently while contributing positively to a team.
• Demonstrates resilience and emotional awareness in challenging situations.
• Can work confidently within a secure and structured environment.

Additional Information

• Full-time, term-time only
• School holiday patterns differ from mainstream schools due to the needs of the secure centre.
• Grade 4 Salary (qualified) Grade 3 Salary(un-qualified)

Why Join Clayfields House?

At Clayfields House, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to supporting young people.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work closely with experienced education and care professionals.
• Develop specialist skills through ongoing training and support.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Participate in the local government pension scheme with a 6.5% employer contribution.

Together, we help young people move forward with confidence, skills, and hope for the future.

NCC will not be providing sponsorship for this role.

IND2

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.