Level 3 Teaching Assistant (Additional Needs / SENSA)

Portland School are recruiting for a SENSA to support learning in the classroom for pupils with a range of SEMH needs. This role will be supporting pupils at our Blythe Bridge site.

This is an exciting time to join Portland as we are a growing school and are continually welcoming new pupils through our doors and therefore need additional enthusiastic support assistants to add to our team.

The applicant may work within the classroom itself or be asked to support a child 1:1 outside for the classroom for some sections of the day.

Job Purpose

• To work with teachers as part of a professional team to organise and support learning activities for SEMH pupils, within and outside of the classroom.


• To deliver specified work under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher on a 1:1 or small group basis.


• To plan, organise and undertake other related duties to support pupils who have experienced trauma.


• To evaluate specialist learning and therapeutic activities with the teacher and provide feedback.


We are looking for someone who can:


• Build positive relationships and manage pupils' behaviour effectively within a school environment.


• Be proactive, resourceful and energetic.


• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues and parents / carers.


We can offer a/an


• Friendly, committed and motivated staff.


• Positive learning environment with friendly children.


• Supportive leadership team.


• Commitment to your professional development and training.


• Opportunity to be part of our journey of improvement and integration into Shaw Education Trust.


AtPortland School, we are dedicated to providingexceptional learningandexperiencesto pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is toempower young mindsandnurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches theirfull potential.

We are a split site school with a primary provision at Trent Vale and secondary provision at Blythe Bridge. We have an amazing staff team who work tirelessly to support approximately 100 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

At the heart of our school are a set of shared values where our entire school community are supported to develop a sense of Respect, Responsibility, Belonging, Independence, show a Team Approach and look after their own Mental Toughness.

What the school offers its staff

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:


• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)


• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)


• Electric Car Scheme: Environmentally friendly vehicles with our electric car scheme.


• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.


• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.


• Free Eye Tests


• Cycle to work scheme



• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.


We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include all of the National Professional Qualifications - NPQH, NPQSL, NPQEYL, NPQLL, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLBC are all delivered by the Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute. In addition, we provide access to the NPQEL for Executive Leaders.


• Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.


• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.


• Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.


• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.


• Participating in peer reviews.


• Access to a suite of online courses.


• Placement projects within our family of schools.


Commitment to safeguarding