Working for Us

At Make It Different Trust, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Joining us means becoming part of a team committed to transforming lives through outstanding SEMH education. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference for children, families, and the communities we serve.

Our Vision

We are dedicated to creating an environment that enables every child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we support our staff, students, and stakeholders to achieve their fullest potential.

Our Values

  • Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure all voices are heard and valued.
  • Empowerment: We equip children, families, and staff to overcome challenges and achieve success.
  • Innovation: We seek creative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our community.
  • Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  • Collaboration: We work together to drive positive outcomes for all.

Our Strategic Objectives

  • Improving Attendance: Establishing regular attendance as a foundation for success.
  • Reducing Suspensions: Promoting positive behaviour through personalised targets and clear expectations.
  • Supporting Independence: Building students' social skills and confidence through tailored activities, including outdoor learning and work experience.
  • Enhancing Staff Expertise: Delivering CPD programs to empower staff and mainstream schools to better support children with SEMH needs.
  • Promoting Academic Achievement: Ensuring students achieve nationally recognised qualifications, closing attainment gaps in core subjects like English and maths.
  • Preparing for Adulthood: Equipping students with the skills for meaningful, independent futures.

Why Join Us?

  • Professional Growth: We provide extensive CPD opportunities to support your development and expand your skills.
  • Supportive Environment: Be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
  • Impactful Work: Make a lasting difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs and their families.
  • Innovative Practices: Work in a Trust committed to cutting-edge approaches in education, with a focus on positive outcomes and meaningful next steps for students.

If you share our vision and values and are passionate about creating opportunities for children with SEMH needs, we invite you to explore our vacancies and join us in shaping a brighter future.

Current Vacancy

Teaching Assistant 

Full time, Permanent 

Salary scale Grade 4 SCP Point 5-6  

£25,583 - £25,989 (F.T.E)  

(Pro rata’d to 37 hours per week, term time +5 days £22,828 - £23,190) 

Start Date: 1st September 2026 

Closing Date for applications: Monday 6th July 2026 at 9am

We wish to appoint a highly motivated and reflective Teaching Assistant to bring a high level of expertise and support outstanding teaching and learning at the new Hartlepool Free School. Hartlepool Free School (HFS) will provide first rate education for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) conditions. 

The successful candidate will possess energy and enthusiasm and belief that every young person deserves the very best education and support to achieve positive outcomes. A commitment to raising achievement, and a willingness to learn, train and develop as an TA are all essential. We can offer you an environment that operates within the guiding values of, kindness, a growth mindset, resilience and personal responsibility.  

Our staff team must be flexible, innovative and responsive, able to work effectively to identify every opportunity to help our children and young people develop their skills and confidence, both academically and personally. 

This is an outstanding and unique opportunity for a talented individual to join our new dynamic and forward-thinking team. We are looking for someone with a caring, empathic but firm manner who can work alongside classroom teachers to support our students to achieve positive outcomes. This will include: 

  • Supporting students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges; 

  • Undertaking training on how to support students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges; 

  • Working with colleagues to raise achievement across all Key Stages; 

  • Following schemes of work and delivering learning activities to students/classes to improve literacy and numeracy; 

  • Working with small groups of students to develop and enhance their learning; 

  • Supporting teachers by delivering intervention plans on a one-to-one basis throughout the Key Stages; 

  • Acting as a key adult for a number of students, and providing pastoral support and guidance to staff; 

  • Any other duties consistent with the nature of the post which may be required from time to time by the Senior Leadership Team. 

Please request an application form and further details by emailing sarah.harrington@hartlepoolfreeschool.org.uk.  

Disclosure 

Hartlepool Free School is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. An enhanced disclosure from the DBS and barred list clearance will be required for this post, together with   completion of a pre-employment health questionnaire, and receipt of satisfactory references