Special Teaching Assistant

• Chalk Hill Academy
• Address:Cats Lane Great Cornard Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2SF*
• Salary:25185 - 25989 pro rata (19239 - 19853 per annum)
• Hours:Part time 33 hours and 20 minutes per week
• Contract:Permanent required from September 2026
• Reference:5157

*Site relocating to Bury St Edmunds in Spring 2027

Chalk Hill Academyare seeking a Special Teaching Assistant (STA) to support students with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs with cooccurring Autistic Spectrum Differences helping them develop confidence independence and the skills needed to participate fully in school and community life. Working closely with teachers you will contribute to creating a positive learning environment and provide targeted support across a range of curriculum activities.

In this role you will assist with lesson preparation support students during learning activities across all curriculum subjects (including English mathematics and science) and work with small groups or individuals to encourage engagement and progress. You will help monitor student development through observation and record-keeping and build positive professional relationships that reflect the schools values. The role also includes supporting students during less structured times such as lunchtimes and transitions promoting social skills wellbeing and safety throughout the school day.

We are looking for someone with experience working with children or young people ideally within a SEND environment who demonstrates empathy patience and strong communication skills. A commitment to inclusive education and supporting students personal growth is essential. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to students development while gaining valuable experience within a caring educational setting and helping children and young people thrive in a safe supportive and inclusive learning environment

Requirements:

• Experience working with children or young people ideally within a SEND setting.
• Empathy patience and excellent communication skills to connect with students effectively.
• Commitment to inclusive education and to promoting the values of self-respect confidence and independence.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of students and build your career in a caring educational setting apply today!

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Free parking
• Company events
• Access to various memberships and discount schemes
• Learning and development opportunities including staff development days
• Funded subject course development for your role
• Range of staff communities including EDI and neurodiverse communities
• Career progression opportunities

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings including schools further education colleges and specialist learning provisions ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence inclusivity and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically socially and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities businesses and industry leaders we ensure our curriculum remains relevant equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) SEMH (Social Emotional and Mental Health needs) and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education combining academic excellence with pastoral care safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement innovation and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies including Ofsted to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching learning and student support. Our leadership team educators and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education driving positive change and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a group our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value support and facilitate your professional development as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (pdf)

Please contact our recruitment teamby emailing:

How to apply

To apply please visit our website

If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing date: 8 am 24 June 2026.

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race sex gender gender reassignment disability religion/belief sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.