Teaching Assistant - Inclusion Centre

Thinking Schools Academy Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to enhancing the lives of students with complex learning needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting young learners, helping them to thrive academically and socially. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative team focused on inclusive education, ensuring every child has the chance to succeed. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, this role is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Competitive Pay Scales

Performance Related Pay

Pension Scheme Membership

Collaborative Support

Training Opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff Recognition Programs

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people's physical and mental wellbeing.
• Reflective approach with ability to build positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with learning in one-to-one and group settings.
• Supervise and support students in various activities.

Skills

Communication Skills

Motivation and Energy

Experience with Young People

Education

Grade 4/C or above in English

Grade 4/C or above in Mathematics

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to work within our Inclusion Centre, The Bridge at The Portsmouth Academy. You will join a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for students with Educational Health and Care Plans.

The Bridge at The Portsmouth Academy is a specialist centre for children aged eleven to sixteen with complex Cognition and Learning difficulties, who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our curriculum is tailored to each child's individual needs, focusing on their starting points and next steps.

The Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in enabling students to access learning by supervising and assisting them (one-to-one and in small groups) across a range of activities and supported learning.

Working hours: 8am to 3.30pm or 8.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

What you will need to succeed:

• Previous experience of working with young people to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Educated to a minimum requirement of Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• High levels of motivation, energy, and commitment, with a reflective approach to the role and the ability to build positive relationships with students and their parents/carers.

About Us

The Portsmouth Academy is committed to providing inclusive education, ensuring all children have access to equal opportunities. Our ethos focuses on developing aspirational, self-reflective learners capable of independent thinking and community contribution. We offer a broad curriculum in KS3 and 4, emphasizing cultural capital alongside academic achievement.

We are a “Microsoft Showcase School” with a one-to-one device policy for Year 7-9 students, and we seek teachers experienced in or interested in developing experience with digital learning.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

We are a family of schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England, including early years, primary, secondary, and specialist provision. We believe every young person deserves the best opportunities, regardless of circumstances. We invest in our staff and were recognized as the Multi Academy Trust Employer of the Year for 2025/2026.

What our Trust will offer you:

• Competitive Pay Scales
• Performance Related Pay: Rewards for meeting objectives and exceptional performance.
• Pension Scheme Membership: Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Collaborative Support: Resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Training: Opportunities for apprenticeships and courses.
• Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular meetings and collaboration networks.
• Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice for bikes with savings.
• Staff Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, vaccinations, eye care vouchers.
• Recognition and Benefits: Staff recognition programs, referral schemes, exclusive benefits portal, and store discounts.

Next steps

If you're interested in joining our supportive school community and advancing your career, please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged, and we may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

For an informal chat, contact Nicky Brown at [e-mail].

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check, and online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates. For questions about this process, email [e-mail].