Teaching Assistant (SENSA)

eTeach UK Limited; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment company is seeking SENSA’s to support learning for pupils with SEMH needs at Portland School in Hempstalls. This role involves both classroom support and potential one-to-one assistance, with a focus on promoting emotional and social well-being. The ideal candidate will exhibit compassion and a willingness to engage in ongoing professional development. Benefits include a local government pension, generous holiday entitlement, and access to various health and well-being programs.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan

Discounts with hundreds of brands

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health difficulties.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a classroom setting.
• Willingness to engage in professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support learning for pupils in the classroom.
• Provide individual assistance to students as needed.
• Potentially work off-site with students.

Skills

Support for pupils with SEMH needs

1:1 pupil support

Driving license (desirable)

Job description

Job Summary

Portland School is recruiting for fabulous SENSA’s to support learning in the classroom for pupils with a range of SEMH needs.

Responsibilities

• Support learning in the classroom for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties.
• Provide 1:1 support for pupils either inside the classroom or outside for some sections of the day.
• May need to work on a 1:1 basis off‑site – a driving licence would be desirable.

School Context

Portland School is a split‑site school with two provisions: one at Trent Vale and one at Blythe Bridge, serving approximately 140 pupils with SEMH needs. The school offers smaller class sizes, a practical curriculum, access to alternative accreditations, and highly trained staff. Both sites have spacious grounds, with Blythe Bridge boasting specialist classrooms for Design and Technology, Art and Design, Science, Food Technology and PE.

The heart of our school is a set of shared values: Respect, Responsibility, Belonging, Independence, Team Approach, and Mental Toughness. Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

Employer – Shaw Education Trust

Shaw Education Trust is a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. We are committed to unlocking opportunities for every young person, championing wellbeing, and fostering professional growth.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Generous holiday entitlement: 37 days rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service (including Bank Holidays)
• Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
• Free Discount for Teachers Scheme (Support and Teaching Staff)
• Discounts with hundreds of brands
• Free eye tests
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Access to Institute of Education and professional development opportunities, including National Professional Qualifications, Early Carer Teacher Programme, and SCITT.
• Professional support, peer reviews, placement projects, and opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust.
• Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866