Teaching Assistant Level 2

The Heights Academy; Smith's Wood; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

FET HUB access

Health cash plan

Staff voice

Induction & probation support

Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

Learning & development

Discounts & rewards

Mental Health Support

Wellbeing package

Rewards & recognition

Job summary

The Heights Academy, part of Forward Education Trust, seeks a Teaching Assistant Level 2 to support pupils with ASC/EHCP plans and SEMH needs in a developing school community. You will aid learning in Maths, English and Reading, foster resilience and social skills, and implement strategies for behaviour support within an inclusive setting.

Applicants should be compassionate, patient, and eager to learn; NVQ2 TA or equivalent is desirable.

Qualifications

• Support and lead small groups and individuals in Maths, English and Reading.
• Develop resilience, social skills and self-esteem in pupils.
• Deploy effective strategies for supporting pupils with behavioural needs.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead small groups and individuals in Maths, English and Reading.
• Support SEMH, vocational and practical activities.
• Develop pupils' resilience, social skills and self-esteem; address behavioural needs with suitable strategies.

Skills

Compassionate and patient

Strong communication

Empathy towards diverse needs

Willingness to learn

Education

NVQ 2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview:

At Forward Education Trust we clearly state our mission - empowering children and young people to live their best lives. This is encompassed in our 3 core values: working together with purpose; nurturing potential; inspiring success.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Teaching Assistant Level 2 to join us!

The Heights Academy opened in September 2023, initially to pupils in Key Stage 2 and 3, but over time, will grow to cater for 116 pupils across Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. All pupils at The Heights Academy have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), with some pupils presenting with associated Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Teaching Assistants are responsible for supporting and leading small groups and individuals with Maths, English, Reading, SEMH, vocational and practical activities, supporting pupils to develop resilience, social skills and self-esteem, and deploying effective strategies for supporting pupils with a range of behavioural needs.

The successful candidate will :

• Compassionate and patient nature
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and understanding towards diverse needs
• Eagerness to learn and grow in an inclusive educational setting
• Dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment
• NVQ 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications or experience would be desirable

Benefits:

Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• FET HUB - information all in one place, access to a range of benefits
• Paid for Health Cash Plan - employee and dependent children benefit - option to add partner
• Staff voice - consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas
• Comprehensive induction and probation support and a supportive appraisal system
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme - free confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations
• Learning and development - including online learning and other resources
• Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Wellbeing package and family friendly policies
• Rewards and awards throughout the year, in line with Trust behaviours and values

Closing Date for Applications: 1 November 2026

Interview Date: 5 November 2026