At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, fostering positive relationships and managing behaviour.
- Company: Horizons Academy, a brand-new special school focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, lifestyle discounts, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification and experience with additional needs required.
The predicted salary is between 22903 - 26824 € per year.
Salary Grade 4 £26,824. Actual salary term time only £22,903.57. Contractual hours 37. Basis Full Time. Job type Support Staff - Educational. Location Horizons Academy, Ravensdale Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 2DP.
We are looking for compassionate, positive, and resilient individuals to join our dedicated, pupil‑centred team. This highly rewarding role supports pupils in overcoming barriers to learning, building trusting relationships, and thriving within our school community.
Working under the guidance of the Assistant Principal and Behaviour Lead, you will deliver personalised support to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other related learning difficulties.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing behaviour
- Promoting emotional regulation
- Fostering positive relationships
- Working with teachers and support staff to create a safe, nurturing environment
Your experience should include a relevant childcare qualification (NNEB, NVQ3 or equivalent) and experience supporting pupils with additional needs and challenging behaviour. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration across teams, commitment to safeguarding, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential.
Why join Horizons Academy? Horizons Academy is a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art special school opened in January 2026, serving Key Stages 2 to 5 with social, emotional, and mental health needs and autism spectrum conditions. The school accommodates 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with approximate class sizes of 8 students, providing an inclusive, meaningful education.
Our employee benefits at Diverse Academies include:
- Enrollment into the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 21.8%
- Salary sacrifice schemes – car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics
- Lifestyle savings - discounts on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc.
- Health cash plan (personal or family) – monthly contributions for private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies
- Childcare – breakfast and after‑school provision
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Both male and female role models are essential to the development and aspirations of our students. As men are currently underrepresented within this team, we particularly welcome applications from male candidates.
Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
For further information or to enquire, please contact Louise Maggio at lmaggio@yeomanpark-ac.org.uk.
Teaching Assistant in Mansfield employer: Astrea Academy Trust
Horizons Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where dedicated individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a focus on collaboration within a state-of-the-art facility, this role provides a unique opportunity to thrive in a rewarding educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Mansfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Horizons Academy on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting pupils with SEMH needs. We should also think of examples from our experience that showcase our skills in managing behaviour and fostering positive relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Show our passion for education! During the interview, let’s share why we’re excited about working with pupils who have additional needs. Our enthusiasm can really set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or new roles that pop up at Horizons Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your compassion and resilience.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Teaching Assistant role. We’re looking for candidates with experience in supporting pupils with SEMH needs, so mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with this.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astrea Academy Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant at Horizons Academy. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEMH and autism spectrum conditions, as well as the importance of building trusting relationships. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your relevant childcare qualifications and any experience you have supporting pupils with additional needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed behaviour or promoted emotional regulation in past roles. This will show that you can handle the challenges of the position effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since collaboration is key in this role, highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work with teachers and support staff. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous positions, especially in challenging situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you can contribute positively to their team.
✨Stay Calm and Positive
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for a role that requires resilience. Practice staying calm under pressure by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Approach the interview with a positive attitude, showing your enthusiasm for helping pupils thrive in a nurturing environment. This mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
