Teaching Assistant (Cooking)

About the job

Key information

Taunton Deane Partnership College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Taunton Deane Partnership College (TDPC) is one of four Pupil Referral Units commissioned by Somerset Council and Somerset schools, covering Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe. We work alongside students (5-16 years) in several ways: those who have an EHCP naming us as their school; students with medical needs that inhibits their access to mainstream settings; those who have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school and in partnership with schools through our Centres and in Outreach. We wish to make the following appointment:

Teaching Assistant (Cooking)
30 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year), permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: Grade 14 actual salary £17,486 – £18,045 (£13.05 – £13.47 per hour)

Are you passionate about supporting and making a difference to students who have not always been successful in education? Do you believe in the power of relationship to transform student outcomes? If so, then we want to hear from you.

What will I be doing?

We are looking to appoint a TA to work primarily in our secondary Centre supporting students in Years 7 to 11, under the guidance of an HLTA, to develop their cooking skills. There may also be times when you will be asked to support with our younger students. Most of our students have Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs and require a personalised, empathetic and attuned approach.

You must be confident to support students on a 1-1 and small group basis in a practical environment under the guidance of an HLTA. You will respond to student need and adapt your approach and sessions accordingly. You will spend some time in our Hub (SEMH base) supporting students on a 1-1 basis to co-regulate and enable them to return to their lesson.

The ability to travel is essential, including transporting and accompanying students between our Centres and to off-site enrichment activities.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist delivery staff (teachers and HLTAs) in delivering a curriculum to students referred to TDPC, including in practical environments which could include the kitchen, offsite PE and Outdoor Education settings, Workshop, classrooms, SEMH Hub.
• Prepare resources and maintain a safe, suitable and clean learning environment.
• Provide one to one support for students should their individual SEMH needs require this.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

The successful candidates will also:

• Have experience of working with children in a similar role, ideally supporting children with SEMH needs
• Have an enthusiasm for the welfare and well-being of young people
• Be solution focused and positive in meeting the social, emotional and mental health needs of our young people
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Be organised and hard working
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of the wider TDPC staff team

You will pair with a teacher to act pastorally as a Tutor for a small number of students, connecting with their family/carers and ensuring their TDPC offer is right for them.

What is in it for me?

We recognise that our work is rewarding and challenging and aim to ensure that our staff have a good work life balance; we are a family friendly employer, and we offer staff supervision in-house. We are keen to support your Professional Development and there are opportunities for further training.

Supporting documents and information

We hope this gives you a flavour of TDPC and look forward to receiving your application. If you would like an informal discussion with our Headteacher, please email our Office Manager, Jo Reynolds on JReynolds@tdpc.somerset.sch.uk and she will be able to arrange this for you.

We welcome applications from TAs in mainstream schools, special schools, PRUs and alternative provision.

TDPC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and successful candidates will, therefore, be required to demonstrate a high awareness of these areas and undergo an enhanced DBS check. We also conduct online checks of all applicants during the shortlisting process.

Please email your completed application form to Jo Reynolds at JReynolds@tdpc.somerset.sch.uk.

Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday 22 September 2025

Interview date: To be confirmed

Apply now