Teaching Assistant Level 3

The Heights Academy; Smith's Wood; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Staff voice

Induction and probation support

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development

Discounts and rewards

Mental Health First Aiders

Wellbeing package

Rewards and awards

Job summary

The Heights Academy welcomes applications for a Teaching Assistant to support learning across Key Stage 2 to 4. You will work under the guidance of the class teacher to meet pupils’ educational, social, emotional and care needs, including those with ASC and SEMH.

Effective relationships with pupils, families and the school team are essential, along with delivering high-quality, inclusive support and targeted activities to enable all children to access learning and reach individual outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience assisting teaching and learning under supervision.
• Findings should support pupils' educational, social and emotional needs.
• Ability to engage with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition and SEMH needs.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning in small groups and 1:1 settings.
• Foster nurturing, authentic relationships to help pupils flourish.
• Promote resilience, social skills and self-esteem; support SEMH needs.

Skills

Pupil support

Building relationships

Behaviour support

Team collaboration

Education

NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent

Job description

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:

• Have the experience and skills to support teaching and learning by working under the direction of the class teacher and other relevant professionals to meet the individual educational, social, emotional, communication, physical and care needs of pupils.

• Be able to provide nurturing and education, through quality interactions and by developing strong, authentic relationships,

• Building and maintain strong relationships with all to enable all children to flourish and our communities' needs are at the forefront of all we do.

• Be able to provide high-quality, inclusive support to enable children to access learning, develop independence, build positive relationships and achieve their individual outcomes.

• Hold an NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications.

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