Senior Teaching Assistant - Rowan Wood School

Job Introduction

12A Hargood Road, Kidbrooke, London, SE3 8HR 

Tel: 020 8854 9841 (Willow Dene School) 

Email: rwcontact@compassps.uk 

Website: www.compassps.uk 

Executive Head: Rachel Harrison

Head Teacher: Dr Ross Silcock

Start Date: TBC

Primary Location: Rowan Wood will be based at Willow Dene School, Swingate Lane, Plumstead, SE18 2JD until January 2026 when we will launch the new school building at Hargood Road, Kidbrooke, London, SE3 8HR

About this role: 

Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday), 39 weeks per year (term time, plus inset days).

Rowan Wood School is a new all through special free school, opening in several phases, for children and young people aged 4-19 who have been diagnosed with autism and severe language and learning delays, working significantly below age-related expectations.

Our vision is for Rowan Wood to be an ambitious, forward-thinking, and fully inclusive community which makes learning accessible for all through the following seven principles for children and young people:

 • Active learners with aspirational targets and high expectations. 

• A high-quality curriculum minimising educational disadvantages. 

• Valued and valuable members of society. 

• Breaking down barriers. 

• Family-focused. 

• Removing barriers to learning in safe, supportive environments. 

Rowan Wood will become part of The Compass Partnership of Schools, an innovative Multi-Academy Trust comprising a mix of fifteen mainstream and special primary and secondary schools, enabling us to forge meaningful mainstream links that benefit all. 

We would like to appoint a Senior Teaching Assistant to work effectively as the lead member of a team of support staff under the direction of a class teacher, assisting and supporting the class teacher in all aspects of education, therapy and care of children with identified learning difficulties (severe/complex autism). We provide a safe and healthy environment for our children. You will also be involved in providing intimate care, managing challenging behaviour and actively participating in physical activities such as swimming and PE. Please refer to the job description.

Induction programmes and training will be provided for the successful candidate.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the Trust or have any further questions, please email smurphy@willowdene.compassps.uk mentioning Rowan Wood School in the subject line. Please note, we are currently closed for the summer holidays and will respond to all queries on our return, week commencing 1st September 2025.

Rowan Wood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils attending the school. As the duties of this post involve regular contact with children, any offer to the successful candidates will be conditional upon an Enhanced Disclosure being obtained via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).

Successful candidate's references will be requested before interview. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Rowan Wood School - Vacancies