Lead Teaching Assistant - Inclusion Room Lead in Manchester

Location: North Manchester
Start Date: ASAP
Role: Full-time, long-term
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, term-time only
Salary: £90-120 per day DOE

Cover People are currently recruiting for an experienced Lead Teaching Assistant to take responsibility for one of the rooms within a specialist inclusion provision at a primary school in North Manchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant or HLTA who has a strong understanding of SEND and is looking to take on greater responsibility within a specialist setting.

You will lead the day-to-day running of your allocated room, overseeing a small team and delivering tailored learning activities for pupils with additional needs. You will work under the guidance of an experienced lead teacher who oversees the wider inclusion provision and works across both rooms.

The school is an inclusive primary setting with a dedicated specialist provision designed to support pupils with additional learning and communication needs. It places great importance on nurturing relationships, understanding individual needs and recognising behaviour as a form of communication. The provision aims to help children develop foundational skills, confidence, independence and communication through carefully tailored learning experiences.

As Room Lead, you will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of your room, ensuring pupils receive consistent, high-quality support and learning opportunities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the daily operation of your allocated inclusion room.

• Coordinating and overseeing the deployment of staff within the room.

• Planning and delivering engaging sessions for small groups of pupils.

• Supporting teaching across the primary curriculum.

• Leading small-group learning activities, including phonics and reading.

• Working alongside the lead teacher to plan, assess and adapt learning activities.

• Supporting pupils with SEND, including autism and communication difficulties.

• Developing pupils' engagement, communication and independence.

• Supporting children working towards EYFS and KS1/KS2 assessment outcomes.

• Monitoring, recording and celebrating pupil progress and achievement.

• Contributing to the development and implementation of EHCPs and individual learning plans.

• Providing personal care, hygiene and toileting assistance where required.

• Developing learning resources and helping maintain an effective learning environment.

• Promoting positive behaviour and recognising behaviour as a form of communication.

• Supporting break and lunchtime arrangements, ensuring appropriate supervision.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and specialist provision.

• Building positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents/carers.

We are looking for a nurturing, proactive and experienced education professional who can demonstrate the confidence and initiative needed to lead a small team and take responsibility for a specialist learning environment.

You should have:

• A Level 3 qualification in Teaching Assistant or Early Years, or equivalent experience.

• Previous experience supporting learning within a primary school.

• Experience working with children with SEND, particularly autism and communication needs.

• Confidence leading small-group learning activities and interventions.

• The ability to coordinate and supervise other members of staff.

• A good understanding of child development and learning.

• Knowledge of nurturing approaches and how behaviour can communicate unmet needs.

• Experience supporting children with limited or emerging verbal communication.

• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a wider team.

• High expectations for pupils and a genuine commitment to helping them achieve their potential.

Previous HLTA experience, experience leading a team or working within a specialist SEND provision would be particularly beneficial. Experience in Early Years or supporting children with complex communication needs would also be advantageous.

• Lead TA responsibility within a specialist inclusion provision.

• Full-time, long-term opportunity.

• 37.5 hours per week, term-time only.

• Lead and develop your own room within the provision.

• Opportunity to coordinate and support other members of staff.

• Work closely with an experienced lead teacher overseeing the wider provision.

• Take an active role in developing learning activities and specialist interventions.

• £90-120 per day DOE.

If you're an experienced Teaching Assistant or HLTA looking to take the next step in your career, and have the skills and confidence to lead a specialist inclusion room, we'd be keen to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Cover People for more information about the role.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.