Job Description:

Primary Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £92 – £115 per day

GSL Education are seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Primary Teaching Assistant to join a supportive specialist education setting in York from September.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, or someone with a strong passion for supporting children with additional needs, to make a real difference to pupils’ learning, development, and wellbeing. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to provide personalised support, helping pupils develop confidence, independence, and achieve positive outcomes.

About the School

This specialist community school in York provides education and support for children and young people with a range of additional learning needs, including social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), communication needs, and complex barriers to learning.

The school is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every pupil is recognised as an individual. Staff work collaboratively to understand each learner’s needs, build positive relationships, and provide tailored support that enables pupils to re-engage with education and reach their full potential.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team that prioritises pupil wellbeing, personal development, and creating opportunities for every young person to succeed.

About the Role

As a Primary Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support the class teacher in delivering engaging and personalised learning activities.
• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Support pupils with their social, emotional, communication, and learning needs.
• Use a range of strategies to encourage engagement and positive behaviour.
• Assist with classroom organisation, preparation of resources, and learning activities.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.
• Provide consistent encouragement and support to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.

The Ideal Teaching Assistant Will Have:

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, or within an education, care, or support setting.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, Autism, communication needs, or challenging behaviour would be advantageous.
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach with a genuine passion for supporting young people.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
• The confidence to support pupils who may display barriers to learning or require additional emotional support.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.
• An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one through GSL Education.

What GSL Education Offer:

• Competitive rates of pay paid through PAYE or an Umbrella Company.
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Access to a wide range of long-term and permanent education opportunities.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and experienced team with excellent knowledge of the local education sector.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.

GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list (where applicable), verification of employment history, references, and other relevant pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment procedures.

If you are a compassionate and dedicated Primary Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity in York this September, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today for a confidential conversation with the GSL Education team and take the next step in your education career.