Current Vacancies
Outdoor Learning Practitioner (Specialist Teaching Assistant)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time - term time only
Salary: Grade F | SCP 14-19 + SSA (pro rata to TTO).
Location: Cedars Low Fell, NE9 6QD
Start date: November 2026, or as soon as possible
Outdoor Learning Practitioner (Specialist Teaching Assistant)
Cedars Low Fell, part of Cedars Academy Trust, are delighted to be recruiting a passionate and creative Outdoor Learning Practitioner to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop outdoor learning in our woodland within a warm, nurturing and ambitious all-through specialist academy for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. You will help children and young people with complex SEND experience the outdoors in ways that are meaningful, motivating and right for them.
Job Summary
Working with pupils from early years to Key Stage 4, you will plan and deliver sensory-rich sessions that build communication, emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
This role would be ideally suited to someone with experience of working with children or young people, who combines strong outdoor skills with empathy, imagination and curiosity about how children with complex needs learn.
If you hold a Level 3 qualification and want to develop, we can support the right person to complete the relevant certifications, either the HLTA programme or the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, while you work with us, with time to study and a mentor to support you.
You will be responsible for:
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Leading and developing a safe, inclusive and inspiring outdoor learning programme across the school;
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Planning and delivering engaging, progressive sessions in our woodland classroom, adapting them for a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs;
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Writing, reviewing and implementing risk assessments for sites, tools, fires and activities, and maintaining equipment;
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Working with the extended leadership team, teachers and therapists to develop a responsive curriculum;
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Recording and sharing progress against EHCP outcomes and Personal Learning Plans;
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Mentoring and supporting teaching assistants, modelling good practice outdoors;
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Supporting extracurricular clubs and cross-curricular outdoor learning.
The successful candidate will:
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Hold a recognised qualification in outdoor activities, with knowledge of flora and fauna;
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Hold an Outdoor First Aid certificate (the Academy will fund this if you do not hold one);
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Hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or have equivalent experience, and be willing to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship if not already held;
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Be willing to work towards Level 3 Forest School Leadership if not already held;
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Have practical experience of leading outdoor learning with children or young people;
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Be confident in assessing risk and maintaining high standards of safeguarding and safety;
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Be empathetic and well organised, and able to stay calm when plans change;
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Be able to work on uneven terrain and outdoors for long periods in all weathers, and to handle equipment, with reasonable adjustments considered.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning.
No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the energy, empathy and creativity to make the outdoors accessible, exciting and meaningful for children who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher - joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk
OR
Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader - gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 18th November 2026
Teaching Assistants (EYFS-KS2)
Contract Type: Permanent (4 posts)
Working Pattern: Full time - term time only
Salary: Grade E | SCP 8-11 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) with a Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent experience. Grade D | SCP 6-7 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) without
Location: Cedars Low Fell, NE9 6QD
Start date: November 2026, or as soon as possible
Teaching Assistant (EYFS-KS2)
Cedars Low Fell, part of Cedars Academy Trust, are delighted to be recruiting four Teaching Assistants to join our team. Our Teaching Assistants are at the heart of school life at Cedars, an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. You will help children and young people with complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Job Summary
No two days are quite the same, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact. You do not need to have worked in a school or hold a Teaching Assistant qualification. Experience from care, residential support, community work or supporting a family member is just as welcome. What matters most is your approach to children, your willingness to learn and the care you bring. We would also love to hear from experienced and qualified Teaching Assistants.
​
You will work with children from early years to Key Stage 2 as part of a supportive class team. We provide induction, training and mentoring, and support you to work towards Teaching Assistant qualifications.
​
You will be responsible for:
-
Building warm, trusting relationships so every child feels safe, valued and understood;
-
Supporting children to access learning, communicate with confidence and become as independent as possible;
-
Responding calmly and consistently to individual learning, communication, sensory and emotional needs, including behaviour that may challenge;
-
Supporting personal care, health and wellbeing with dignity and respect, following individual plans and training;
-
Working closely with teachers and colleagues as part of the class team, and helping prepare classrooms, outdoor areas and resources;
-
Taking an active part in school life, including educational visits, enrichment and daily routines;
-
Taking part in training, mentoring and professional development.
The successful candidate will:
-
Have experience of supporting, caring for or building positive relationships with others, from work, volunteering or personal life;
-
Be warm, caring and patient, with real enthusiasm for supporting children and young people;
-
Be calm, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently and as part of a team;
-
Have good communication, literacy and numeracy skills for the role;
-
Understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusion and professional boundaries;
-
Be willing to learn about SEND through training.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the warmth, patience and resilience to make a real difference to children who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher - joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk
OR
Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader - gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 18th November 2026
Teaching Assistant (KS3-5)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time - term time only
Salary: Grade E | SCP 8-11 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) with a Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent experience. Grade D | SCP 6-7 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) without
Location: Cedars High Heworth, NE10 9AH
Start date: December 2026, or as soon as possible
Teaching Assistant (KS3-5)
Cedars High Heworth, part of Cedars Academy Trust, are delighted to be recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join our team. Our Teaching Assistants are at the heart of school life at Cedars, an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. You will help children and young people with complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Job Summary
No two days are quite the same, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact. You do not need to have worked in a school or hold a Teaching Assistant qualification. Experience from care, residential support, community work or supporting a family member is just as welcome. What matters most is your approach to young people, your willingness to learn and the care you bring. We would also love to hear from experienced and qualified Teaching Assistants.
You will work with young people in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 at Cedars High Heworth as part of a supportive class team. We provide induction, training and mentoring, and support you to work towards Teaching Assistant qualifications.
​
You will be responsible for:
-
Building warm, trusting relationships so every child feels safe, valued and understood;
-
Supporting a student-led curriculum where Preparation for Adulthood and access to the community are key to preparing young people for life beyond Cedars Academy;
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Acting as a Key Person for a small number of learners and their families, being the first point of contact for the family;
-
Supporting children to access learning, communicate with confidence and become as independent as possible;
-
Responding calmly and consistently to individual learning, communication, sensory and emotional needs, including behaviour that may challenge;
-
Supporting personal care, health and wellbeing with dignity and respect, following individual plans and training;
-
Working closely with teachers and colleagues as part of the class team, and helping prepare classrooms, outdoor areas and resources;
-
Taking an active part in school life, including educational visits, enrichment and daily routines;
-
Taking part in training, mentoring and professional development.
The successful candidate will:
-
Have experience of supporting, caring for or building positive relationships with others, from work, volunteering or personal life;
-
Be warm, caring and patient, with real enthusiasm for supporting children and young people;
-
Be calm, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently and as part of a team;
-
Have good communication, literacy and numeracy skills for the role;
-
Understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusion and professional boundaries;
-
Be willing to learn about SEND through training.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the warmth, patience and resilience to make a real difference to young people who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Dan Hearne, Deputy Headteacher - daniel.hearne@cedarstrust.org.uk
OR
Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader - gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 13th November 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Tuesday 24th November 2026
Teaching Assistants (EYFS-KS2) - Fixed Term maternity Cover
Contract Type: Fixed Term (1 Year) - 2 posts
Working Pattern: Full time - term time only
Salary: Grade E | SCP 8-11 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) with a Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent experience. Grade D | SCP 6-7 + SSA (pro rata to TTO) without
Location: Cedars Low Fell, NE9 6QD
Start date: November 2026, or as soon as possible
Teaching Assistant (EYFS-KS2) - Maternity Cover
Cedars Low Fell, part of Cedars Academy Trust, are delighted to be recruiting two Teaching Assistants on fixed-term maternity cover contracts to join our team. Our Teaching Assistants are at the heart of school life at Cedars, an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. You will help children and young people with complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Job Summary
No two days are quite the same, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact. You do not need to have worked in a school or hold a Teaching Assistant qualification. Experience from care, residential support, community work or supporting a family member is just as welcome. What matters most is your approach to children, your willingness to learn and the care you bring. We would also love to hear from experienced and qualified Teaching Assistants.
​
You will work with children from early years to Key Stage 2 as part of a supportive class team. We provide induction, training and mentoring, and support you to work towards Teaching Assistant qualifications.
​
You will be responsible for:
-
Building warm, trusting relationships so every child feels safe, valued and understood;
-
Supporting children to access learning, communicate with confidence and become as independent as possible;
-
Responding calmly and consistently to individual learning, communication, sensory and emotional needs, including behaviour that may challenge;
-
Supporting personal care, health and wellbeing with dignity and respect, following individual plans and training;
-
Working closely with teachers and colleagues as part of the class team, and helping prepare classrooms, outdoor areas and resources;
-
Taking an active part in school life, including educational visits, enrichment and daily routines;
-
Taking part in training, mentoring and professional development.
The successful candidate will:
-
Have experience of supporting, caring for or building positive relationships with others, from work, volunteering or personal life;
-
Be warm, caring and patient, with real enthusiasm for supporting children and young people;
-
Be calm, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently and as part of a team;
-
Have good communication, literacy and numeracy skills for the role;
-
Understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusion and professional boundaries;
-
Be willing to learn about SEND through training.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the warmth, patience and resilience to make a real difference to children who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher - joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk
OR
Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader - gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 18th November 2026
SEND Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Contract Type: Fixed term - maternity cover, two terms initially (may be extended depending on the substantive teacher's return)
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: MPS or UPS (M1 to U3) + SEN allowance (£2,885 per annum)
Location: Cedars Low Fell, NE9 6QD
Start date: Spring Term 2027
SEND Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Cedars Low Fell, part of Cedars Academy Trust, are delighted to be recruiting a teacher to join our creative, nurturing school community, an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver meaningful, bespoke education to children who learn differently.
Job Summary
You will lead one of our EYFS or Key Stage 1 or 2 classes for pupils with complex cognitive and emotional needs. This role would be ideally suited to an experienced SEND, EYFS or primary practitioner who can plan and deliver an engaging curriculum in a practical, sensory-led way.
You will plan creative learning around communication, emotional regulation and independence, use Total Communication and assistive technology (with training provided), and work closely with therapists, specialist staff and families.
This post is not suitable for ECTs.
You will be responsible for:
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Planning and teaching an inclusive curriculum that meets each child's developmental and sensory needs, working with your team and guiding teaching assistants;
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Assessing and recording progress, and using our tracking systems to make timely interventions;
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Creating a purposeful, positive and safe classroom that is sensitive to individual needs;
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Writing pupil reports, running Personal Learning Plans and attending review and parent meetings;
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Building strong communication with parents, carers, social workers and other professionals;
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Helping to develop an inclusive, relevant curriculum with our leadership team;
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Taking part in training and our research-based professional development programme.
The successful candidate will:
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Hold Qualified Teacher Status, with an Early Years or Primary qualification;
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Have experience of supporting children with additional needs and understand the barriers to learning for pupils with complex needs;
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Have experience of promoting safeguarding in a school;
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Have knowledge of working with pupils with SEN, autism, and emotional, behavioural or communication difficulties;
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Have sound knowledge of the EYFS and/or KS1 and KS2 curriculum;
-
Be a warm, enthusiastic, adaptable and strong communicator and team member.
Cedars is a warm and welcoming school community where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas, shape their own professional development and contribute to our shared journey of improvement. We value curiosity, reflection and a willingness to keep learning. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you have the energy and empathy to make a real difference to children who learn differently, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher - joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks, teacher status and prohibition checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission of applications is therefore encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 11th November 2026
We are Disability Confident Committed
Cedars Academy is Disability Confident Committed.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:
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ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
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communicating and promoting vacancies
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offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
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anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
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supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work
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at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people