Educational Support Assistant (BFSESA1026)

Educational Support Assistant (BFSESA1026)

Contract: Fixed term

Salary: Grade 6 (SCP 7) Full time equivalent £27,273.27 - Actual salary £15,621.64

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2026, 9.00am

Birdsedge First School is seeking an enthusiastic, committed and caring individual to join the team as an Educational Support Assistant.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children. A significant aspect of the role will involve supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to develop positive relationships, emotional regulation strategies and confidence in their learning.

Birdsedge First School is a welcoming and inclusive school within The Mast Academy Trust. We are committed to providing high-quality education and ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential. Our school has a strong sense of community and places great importance on developing confident, respectful and resilient learners. We are looking for someone who shares our values and is passionate about supporting children to thrive.

The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to support pupils with SEND and SEMH needs. The role will include working with individual pupils and small groups, delivering targeted interventions, promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing, and helping children engage successfully with learning.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with children or young people.
• Can build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Is patient, resilient and adaptable.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to helping every child achieve their full potential.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What we can offer you

• A warm, welcoming and supportive school environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Access to Trust-wide support and wellbeing services.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced occupational benefits, including maternity, adoption and parental leave provisions.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing free health and wellbeing support for you and your family members.

Visits are warmly welcomed and highly recommended.

For further information about the role please contact Katie Hutton, Head of School, on or email

Interview Date: 5 October 2026

Other Information

For candidates who can demonstrate significant experience and expertise in supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, consideration may be given to appointment at a higher grade, subject to qualifications, experience and the requirements of the role.

The successful candidate may also have the opportunity to work towards a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification, subject to suitability, role requirements and organisational needs.

We are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our staff with a dedicated wellbeing charter, mental health first aid trained colleagues and wellbeing advocates at each location.

The Mast Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and checks regarding suitability to work with children. Only in exceptional circumstances will the school interview without references prior, where the candidate does not wish to notify their current employer; applicants must make this clear when applying.

The Mast Academy Trust’s aim is to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture and represent the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to inclusivity and will consider requests for flexible working including part time and job share arrangements, where the role allows.

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