Teaching Assistant - Level 2

Teaching Vacancies; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Pension scheme

CPD & Training

Induction package

Flexible working

Annual leave

Job summary

Lotus Academy in Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join a dedicated staff team within a specialist SEMH provision. You will support whole class lessons, group work, and one-to-one sessions, helping pupils access learning and develop aspirations for their futures.

The school values relationships, emotional safety, and high expectations. Candidates with SEN knowledge are advantageous, and the role involves safeguarding responsibilities, flexible working, and

Qualifications

• Motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible Teaching Assistant seeking to join a busy team.
• Experience in mainstream or specialist education settings is welcome; exceptional vocational skills with a drive to make a difference.
• Ability to respond to emotional, social and mental health needs of children and young people, including personal care where needed.

Responsibilities

• You will be working as part of a team supporting whole class lessons, group work and one-to-one with pupils.

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible Teaching Assistant to join a team of dedicated staff who are committed to providing an excellent learning environment and become part of a successful team in a busy working environment.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant who has worked within a mainstream or specialist education setting, or someone who has exceptional vocational skills and a real drive to make a difference in children’s lives, you must be able to provide our children with aspirations for their futures along with promoting a positive culture in everything you do.

Knowledge of SEN will be advantageous and you must be able to respond to the emotional, social and mental health needs of our children and young people. You will be required to ensure the safety of our children and young people and facilitate their access to learning by responding to individual needs, which may include personal care and hygiene needs such as toileting and nappy changing.

Via your excellent interpersonal skills, you will have the opportunity to make judgements on the attainment and progress of our students and be able to help them celebrate success.

You will be working as part of a team supporting whole class lessons, group work and working one to one with pupils. You will be part of a committed staff team who are motivated every day by improving the life chances of our children and young people.

What the school offers its staff

Lotus Academy, located in north Sheffield, is a specialist state‑funded school for pupils aged 6–16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school opened in September 2024 and is part of the Nexus Multi Academy Trust, providing high‑quality, inclusive education for up to 100 pupils.

At Lotus Academy, our vision is to create a safe, relational and aspirational environment where every pupil is understood, valued and equipped to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We believe that with the right relationships, structure and emotional safety, every child can grow, learn and succeed.

• Safety – Emotional and physical safety underpin every decision we make.
• Relationships First – Positive, consistent, trusting relationships are at the heart of our practice.
• Belonging – We ensure every pupil feels seen, heard and valued within our community.
• Resilience & Growth – We nurture self‑regulation, confidence, and independence through trauma‑informed approaches.
• Ambition – We maintain high aspirations for every learner, recognising their strengths and celebrating progress in all forms.

As a specialist SEMH provision, we operate through a trauma‑informed, relational approach embedded across classrooms, routines and leadership behaviours. Small class sizes, personalised learning pathways, and a strong emphasis on emotional regulation ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive. Our staff team works collaboratively with families, external professionals, and trust partners to provide a consistent, nurturing, and forward‑thinking learning environment.

Joining Lotus Academy means becoming part of a compassionate, committed, and innovative team that genuinely changes lives. Staff are empowered, supported, and valued, working within a culture that prioritises wellbeing, teamwork, and professional growth. If you are passionate about making a difference and believe in the power of relationships, Lotus Academy is an inspiring place to build your career and transform the futures of young people.

What you can expect from us

Wellbeing – Pay – Careers and Training – Annual Leave and Flexibility

• Access to free wellbeing support resources including counselling, medical and legal advice and an option to top up to private healthcare via corporate membership of a healthcare plan.
• Access to discount schemes for savings with high street retailers, restaurants, activities and lifestyle services
• Auto enrolment into a leading pension scheme with Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to extensive and tailored career pathways, CPD programmes, training and coaching giving you the opportunity to grow and develop your career
• An Induction package to help you settle in and approach your role with confidence and enthusiasm
• The ability to contribute to and share quality practice with other professional TAs, Teachers and the wider team
• Internal opportunities across the Trust academies and to work with specialised leaders in education on nationally recognised projects
• Flexible working policies
• Annual leave increases based on length of service plus bank holidays for support staff

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Sheffield and Surrounding areas, South Yorkshire