Vacancies
Join our friendly team at Penny Bridge CE Academy!
Job Title: Teaching Assistant at Penny Bridge CE Academy
Responsible To: Headteacher and Local Governing Body
Grade and Hours of Work: PCD5 - Grade 5, SCP6- 15 hours a week- 1pm-4pm daily.
Values
Every member of the Trust family of schools will be valued and encouraged to fulfil their potential. In our Trust we believe:
· Everyone has something to offer
· Trust, honesty, empathy and social responsibility are the Christian values that frame our work
· We are here for the whole person, spiritually, morally, educationally and socially
· In working with transparency and openness
Main Purpose:
Under the supervision of teachers/senior staff, undertake a range of varied tasks to support teaching, learning and care by working with individuals or groups of pupils.
Key Responsibilities & Tasks:
- Implement planned learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to pupil’s responses.
- Support the teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress and behaviour in order to contribute to the planning and evaluation of learning activities.
- Provide feedback to pupils in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the teacher.
- Support learning by arranging / providing resources for lessons/activities under the direction of the teacher.
- Support pupils’ social, emotional and physical wellbeing, reporting concerns to the appropriate person.
- Be aware of and comply with all school policies and procedures including code of conduct, child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a nominated person.
- Encourage independent learning and promote inclusion of all pupils in and outside of the classroom and escorting and supervising pupils on educational visits and out of school activities.
- Select, prepare and clear away classroom materials and learning areas ensuring they are available for use, including developing and presenting displays. This may include out of school activities and after school events.
- Share information about pupils with other staff, parents/carers, internal and external agencies, as appropriate.
- Within the context of Trust and school behaviour plans and policies, use initiative to deal with issues that arise and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonable expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
This post will be subject to satisfaction of an enhanced DBS check.
Visits to school from Monday 1st June (please contact admin@pennybridge.academy to arrange a visit. These are essential to understand more about the role.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 11th June. Interview invitations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday 12th June. Interviews: Tuesday 16th June.
Teacher (MPS) 1 x EYFS Class Teacher (ECT) - Fixed Term (Performance based) (1 year) contract (0.6) 3 days a week. 2 days a week- Reading TA.- PCD5 - Grade 5, SCP6- 12 hours a week
The children, staff and governors are looking to appoint one Early Careers EYFS class teacher for September 2026 to job share alongside an experienced Early Years practitioner. We are seeking a friendly team player with high expectations to join our enthusiastic and hardworking team.
Essential Attributes:
1. An excellent primary classroom practitioner with an understanding of the EYFS curriculum, assessment and pedagogy.
2. Someone who will work collaboratively with other members of staff, be flexible, well organised and enthusiastic and build positive relationships with pupils and their parents.
3. Someone who is committed to get the best out of every child and to providing an imaginative and exciting curriculum.
4. Someone who will continue to develop our strong personal development offer.
5. Have some experience of working within EYFS.
6. Have a good understanding of teaching early reading, writing and maths.
7. be able to plan and deliver lessons that meet children’s individual needs and capture their interests in all areas of the EYFS curriculum .
8. have ambitious expectations of pupils’ work and behaviour, engendering respect through positive relationships and consistency.
9. be a committed team member who will play an active part in the life of the school, engage positively with families and lead by example.
10. know how to keep our children protected, safe and provide an environment where they can thrive
Main Purpose: (Teaching Assistant)
Under the supervision of the Reading Lead/senior staff, undertake a range of varied tasks to support teaching, learning of reading by working with individuals or groups of pupils.
Key Responsibilities & Tasks:
1. Implement planned learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to pupil’s responses.
2. Support the teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress and behaviour in order to contribute to the planning and evaluation of reading activities.
3. Provide feedback to pupils in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the teacher.
4. Input and analyse data as directed by the Reading Lead.
We can offer you:
- A brilliant opportunity to progress your career in a school with a real family feel .
- A committed staff who put our children first and centre.
- An opportunity to work within the supportive collaborative network of the Good Shepherd Trust
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our pupils and staff and expect all applicants to share this commitment. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Application forms and further details about the post are available from the school website https://www.pennybridge.cumbria.sch.uk/quick-links/vacancies.html
Visits to school from Monday 1st June (please contact admin@pennybridge.academy to arrange a visit. These are essential to understand more about the role.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 11th June. Interview invitations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday 12th June. Interviews: Tuesday 16th June.
Job Title: HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (HLTA) Permanent, at Penny Bridge CE Academy
Responsible To: Headteacher and Local Governing Body
Grade and Hours of Work: PCD8 - Grade 8, SCP19-20-(0.7 of week. All mornings, two afternoons)
Values
Every member of the Trust family of schools will be valued and encouraged to fulfil their potential. In our Trust we believe:
· Everyone has something to offer
· Trust, honesty, empathy and social responsibility are the Christian values that frame our work
· We are here for the whole person, spiritually, morally, educationally and socially
· In working with transparency and openness
Main Purpose
To organise and support teaching and learning activities for classes across the school in phonics, early writing and maths The primary focus is to carry out specified work with individuals, groups and whole classes under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
- To fulfil the 33 HLTA standards to support teaching and learning maximising achievement and development.
- Plan, prepare and deliver specified work to individuals, small groups or, for whole classes, modifying and adapting activities as necessary under the direction and supervision of a teacher.
- Assess, record, monitor and report on pupil development, progress and attainment against pre-determined learning objectives, using detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupil’s learning.
- This role will be expected to undertake at least one of the following:
- Provide specialist support to pupils with learning behavioural, communication social sensory or physical difficulties.
- Provide specialist support to pupils where English is not their first language.
- Provide specialist support to all pupils in a particular learning area (e.g. ICT, English, maths, National Curriculum subject, Early Years Foundation Stage)
- Have knowledge of and comply with all Trust/school policies and procedures including code of conduct, child protection, health and safety including risk assessments, security, confidentiality and data protection reporting any issues to a nominated person.
- Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others, promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward self-reliance.
- Supervise and direct the work of other staff demonstrating own duties in particular specialist areas.
- Share information about pupils with other staff, parents/carers, internal and external agencies attending and contributing to meetings, reviews and IEPs and writing reports as appropriate.
-Within the context of Trust behaviour plans and policies, use discretion and initiative to deal with unanticipated issues and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are implemented.
Staff Management Responsibilities
Some supervising of other staff, demonstrating own duties in particular specialist areas as required
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonable expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
This post will be subject to satisfaction of an enhanced DBS check.
Application packs available via vacancies page on school website, https://www.pennybridge.cumbria.sch.uk/quick-links/vacancies.html
Visits to school from Monday 1st June (please contact admin@pennybridge.academy to arrange a visit. These are essential to understand more about the role.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 11th June. Interview invitations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday 12th June. Interviews: Tuesday 16th June.
Job Title: Senior Teaching Assistant – EHCP Support
Hours: 32 hours per week (term time)
Contract: Fixed Term- Linked to the child in the school.
Grade- PCD5 - Grade 5, SCP6-
Reports to: SENCo / Class Teacher
Purpose of the Role
To provide high-quality, personalised support to a child with additional needs who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Teaching Assistant will work closely with the SENCo, class teacher, external professionals, and parents to ensure the child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met. The role involves adapting learning, implementing interventions, and fostering independence in line with the child’s EHCP targets.
Key Responsibilities
1. Direct Support for the Child
Provide daily 1:1 support tailored to the child’s EHCP outcomes and individual needs.
Adapt and differentiate classroom activities to enable access to the curriculum.
Implement agreed interventions, strategies, and support plans.
Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and social development.
Support the child’s communication and social needs when working in small groups.
Encourage independence and confidence in both learning and social situations.
2. Working with Staff and Professionals
Collaborate with the class teacher to plan appropriate learning tasks.
Liaise regularly with the SENCo regarding progress, concerns, or changing needs.
Work alongside external specialists (e.g., speech therapists, educational psychologists, occupational therapists) as required.
Contribute to review meetings, including annual EHCP reviews.
3. Monitoring and Record Keeping
Track and record the child’s progress against EHCP outcomes and intervention targets.
· Provide regular feedback to staff and parents on progress, achievements, and challenges.
4. Classroom and School Support
Support the wider classroom environment as directed by the class teacher.
Assist with preparation of learning resources and classroom organisation.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safe school environment.
Supervise and support during transitions, breaks, lunchtimes, educational visits, and other school activities when required.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) in a school setting.
- Strong understanding of EHCPs and how to implement them effectively.
- Ability to adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Experience with behaviour support strategies and de‑escalation approaches.
- Excellent communication skills—able to engage positively with pupils, staff, and families.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in challenging situations.
- Good organisational, observational, and record‑keeping skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
- Level 3 (or above) qualification in Teaching and Learning, SEN, or a related field.
- Training in specialist approaches such as ASD strategies, Team‑Teach (or similar), Makaton, sensory processing, or specific intervention programmes.
- Experience working with multi‑agency professionals.
- Personal Qualities
- Empathetic, nurturing, and supportive.
- Positive, proactive, and solution‑focused.
- Reliable with excellent attendance and punctuality.
- Able to build trust and rapport with children and families.
- Passionate about inclusion and helping children achieve their potential.
The Good Shepherd Trust and Penny Bridge CE Academy are committed to the principles of safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and excellent professional references. Application packs are available via https://www.pennybridge.cumbria.sch.uk/quick-links/vacancies.html
Visits to school from Monday 1st June (please contact admin@pennybridge.academy to arrange a visit. These are essential to understand more about the role.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 11th June. Interview invitations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday 12th June. Interviews: Tuesday 16th June.
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of its pupils across its family of schools. The Trust engages with young people and staff in policy and practice developments, proactively encourages feedback and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and the successful candidate will be required to hold, or undergo a suitable enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. Amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020)) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be considered. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-disclosure form to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered or protected, to be returned to school prior to the date of the interview. Applicants may be asked for further information about their criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service and DfE (where relevant) before your appointment is confirmed.
The school reserves the right to carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates. This will only include a search for information which is publicly available online.
NOTE: it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.