Teaching Assistant - Specialist Support

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Teaching Assistant - Specialist Support

Employer
St David's Catholic Sixth Form College
Location
Cardiff, Cardiff
Contract Type
Fixed term contract
Hours
Full Time, Term Time
Salary
£29,539 - £31,436 pro rata
Start Date
1st September 2026
Expires
31st May 2026 11:59 PM
Contract Type
Fixed term contract
Job ID
1553740
Start Date
1st September 2026
  • Contract Type :Fixed term contract
  • Job ID: 1553740

We currently have a position available within St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College for a dedicated and experienced Teaching Assistant – Specialist Support to join our Learner Support Centre. The successful candidate will provide specialist, relationship‑based support that reduces barriers to learning and supports access, participation and progression for learners in line with ALNET (2018), the ALN Code for Wales (2021) and the Equality Act (2010).

Job Overview

In this role, you will provide specialist learning support for learners who experience barriers to accessing learning, including learners who are neurodivergent. You will work both in and outside of the classroom, offering responsive 1:1 and small‑group support, and using relationship‑based approaches to support emotional safety, engagement and independence.

You will work alongside teaching and support staff to identify and implement practical reasonable adjustments, share autism‑informed strategies, and contribute to inclusive practice across the college.

Job Requirements

This role is particularly suited to applicants with experience of supporting autistic learners and/or learners with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental differences, and who are confident using relationship‑based approaches to support engagement and access to learning.

  • Experience of supporting learners with autism, ADHD and/or other neurodevelopmental differences
  • An understanding of how learning environments, sensory demands and relationships can act as barriers or supports to learning
  • A minimum of 3 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English and Maths
  • Teaching Assistant qualification desirable
  • Experience of class supervision and working alongside teaching staff to support access to learning
  • Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in tandem with teaching staff
  • Ability to be empathetic and understanding to the needs of students

Job Details

The position is offered as a full-time, term-time only role on a fixed-term contract and it attracts a salary of between £29,539-£31,436 pro rata, dependant on experience.  

Shortlisting will take place on Monday 1st June.

Interviews will be held the week beginning Monday 8th June.

The College operates a Sixth Form College academic year and therefore the Autumn Term begins in late August to allow for enrolment activities. 

Please be aware that St David’s College reserves the right to close any vacancy earlier then the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible. 

We also welcome applications in Welsh, and any applications submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than applications in English.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Why join us?

You will be part of a dedicated Learner Support team, with access to high‑quality professional development, including opportunities to develop and apply autism‑informed and neurodevelopmentally‑aware practice.

We are an Equal Opportunities, Living Wage, Disability Confident Committed and Neurodiversity Friendly employer with excellent CPD provision. 

We maintain some of the best working conditions in the FE/School sector for support staff in Wales. For more details, please see our College Website page: Working at St David’s College.

 

Attachments

Safeguarding Statement:

St David's Catholic College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
St David's Catholic Sixth Form College

St David's Catholic Sixth Form College