Teaching Assistant

Highbury Primary School; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Highbury Primary School is seeking a Teaching Assistant to work closely with the Class Teacher to create a safe, positive and engaging learning environment. You will support a range of activities, prepare resources, encourage independent thinking and promote positive behaviour for learning, including lunchtime supervision.

Experience with children or young people in an educational setting is desirable, and we welcome applicants looking to train or begin a rewarding new career.

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people in an educational setting is desirable.
• We welcome applications from individuals looking to train or begin a rewarding new career.
• Balance care and encouragement with high expectations and clear boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Support a range of learning activities and prepare resources.
• Encourage independent thinking and promote positive behaviour for learning.
• Work with the Class Teacher and, if required, provide lunchtime supervision.

Skills

Experience with children

Patience & empathy

Adaptability

Job description

Position Description

At Highbury Primary School, no two days are the same, and neither are the children we support. As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with the Class Teacher to help create a safe, positive and engaging learning environment. Duties will include supporting a range of learning activities, preparing resources, encouraging independent thinking, and promoting positive behaviour for learning. The role may involve working with individual pupils, small groups or whole classes, as well as providing lunchtime supervision.

Experience of working with children or young people in an educational setting is desirable. However, we also welcome applications from individuals looking to train or begin a rewarding new career. If you have transferable skills, a passion for education, and a commitment to making a difference, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for someone who can balance care and encouragement with high expectations and clear boundaries.

In return, you will become part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, benefiting from a wide range of professional development opportunities and staff benefits. While each of our academies has its own unique identity, we share a commitment to providing a positive, enriching environment where both pupils and staff can thrive and feel valued.

The University of Chichester Academy Trust

You will be part of The University of Chichester Academy Trust, which is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the local educational landscape. The Trust currently encompasses 17 academies, 2 Inclusion centres, and a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training base, all based in Hampshire, Portsmouth, and West Sussex. While we share a common vision and values, each academy has its own identity that contributes to its local community. The Trust is committed to valuing the uniqueness of each school.

Two-Week October Half Term

We have introduced a two-week October half-term across all our schools. This initiative is already making a positive impact, giving staff and pupils a valuable break during the long autumn term, reducing absence through illness, and supporting overall well-being. It also brings greater consistency across our Trust, creating a more connected and efficient way of working. It is just one example of how we prioritise our people and create a working environment where everyone can thrive.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the University of Chichester Academy Trust, we believe that diversity drives creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented within our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women—especially for senior leadership roles.

Safeguarding Commitment

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks, along with other relevant employment checks.