Level 3 Teaching Assistant (Additional Needs/SENSA) - Portland School

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing special education institution in England is looking for a Level 3 Teaching Assistant to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This role involves working directly with pupils both in the classroom and individually, fostering a positive learning environment. The ideal candidate should have relevant educational qualifications and demonstrate the ability to build supportive relationships. Competitive salary and excellent professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Health & Wellbeing Plan

Discount for Teachers Scheme

Free Eye Tests

Cycle to work scheme

Access to educational opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Desirable to have a driving license for off-site work.

Responsibilities

• Support learning activities for SEMH pupils within and outside the classroom.
• Deliver specified work under the direction of a qualified teacher.
• Plan and organise related duties to support pupils who have experienced trauma.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on specialist learning activities.

Skills

Building positive relationships

Managing pupils’ behaviour effectively

Effective communication

Proactivity and resourcefulness

Energy and enthusiasm

Education

Relevant qualification in education or childcare

Job description

Level 3 Teaching Assistant (Additional Needs/SENSA)

Salary: Grade 5 SCP 16-20 £25,989-£27,254 FTE

Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866

Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time plus 5 Inset Days (39 weeks total)

Contract type: Permanent and fixed term

Start date: As soon as available

Portland School are recruiting for fabulous SENSA’s to support learning in the classroom for pupils with a range of SEMH needs.

This is an exciting time to join Portland as we are a growing school and are continually welcoming new pupils through our doors and therefore need additional enthusiastic support assistants to add to our team.

The applicant may work within the classroom itself or be asked to support a child 1:1 outside for the classroom for some sections of the day.

A driving license would be desirable as you may need to work on 1:1 basis off site.

At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

Our day begins at 8:45am and finishes at 2:15pm, Monday to Friday, providing students with 5.5 hours of learning each day, totalling 27.5 hours per week. Portland School specialises in catering to the unique needs of young people facing SEMHD challenges. We understand that each student is an individual, and our staff is highly trained in SEMHD teaching and management, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Our state‑of‑the‑art facilities are designed with our students in mind, from sensory spaces to specialised classrooms, promoting growth, development, and well‑being. Our passionate and dedicated staff members are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students, providing the guidance, support, and educational opportunities necessary for success.

Job Purpose

• To work with teachers as part of a professional team to organise and support learning activities for SEMH pupils, within and outside of the classroom.
• To deliver specified work under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher on a 1:1 or small group basis.
• To plan, organise and undertake other related duties to support pupils who have experienced trauma.
• To evaluate specialist learning and therapeutic activities with the teacher and provide feedback.

What we are looking for

• Build positive relationships and manage pupils’ behaviour effectively within a school environment.
• Be proactive, resourceful and energetic.
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues and parents / carers.

What we can offer

• Friendly, committed and motivated staff.
• Positive learning environment with friendly children.
• Supportive leadership team.
• Commitment to your professional development and training.
• Opportunity to be part of our journey of improvement and integration into Shaw Education Trust.

Portland School is a split‑site special school with two provisions housing approximately 140 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. It offers smaller class sizes, a practical curriculum, and highly trained staff. Both sites provide spacious outdoor spaces and specialist classrooms for Design and Technology, Art and Design, Science, Food Technology and PE.

Benefits

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year – generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well‑being.
• Free Discount For Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

Career Development Opportunities

• Experienced leadership and subject‑specific support.
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
• Participating in peer reviews.
• Access to a suite of online courses.
• Placement projects within our family of schools.

Safer Recruitment & Equal Opportunities Statement

Portland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Review Safeguarding and Pupil Protection Policy: https://www.shaw-education.org.uk/our-trust/key-information

This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.

An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.

Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.

In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.

Application deadline and interview

Application deadline: 9am Thursday 11th December

Interview date: To be confirmed

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.

Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.