Teaching Assistant

**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 be joining a dedicated and supportive team who strive to make a difference in the outcomes for our students with Educational Health and Care Plans.

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

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

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

Learn more about The Bridge Inclusion Centre here

**What you will need to succeed**:
For a full list of responsibilities please see the attached Job Description
- 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
- You will have high levels of motivation, energy and commitment with a reflective approach to the role and the ability to work to build positive relationships with students and their parents/carers

**About Us**:
The Portsmouth Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy’s vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self-reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.

**_ ‘Pupils are happy at school and proud to be members of its community’ - Ofsted_**

We are a “Microsoft Showcase School” due to our approach to digital learning. The academy has launched a one:one device policy, so every child in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 has their own laptop, and we are particular interested in finding teachers who have experience of, or would like to develop experience of, teaching with technology.

**The Thinking Schools Academy Trust**

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people and are recognised as the Multi Academy Trust Association Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

What our Trust will offer you:

- **Competitive Pay Scales**:

- **Performance Related Pay**: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- **Pension Scheme Membership**: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- **Collaborative Support**: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- **Training**:Expanded your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- **Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing**: Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- **Cycle2Work Scheme**:Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- **Staff Wellbeing Focus**: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- **TSTARS Staff Recognition**: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- **Refer a Friend**: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- **TSAT Benefits portal**: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- **Store Discounts**: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.

**Next steps**:
Pay: £20,970.00-£23,416.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme

Work Location: In person