At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs and help them thrive in a fun learning environment.
- Company: Join the supportive community at Cliffdale Primary Academy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a culture of belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and a flexible, energetic attitude.
The predicted salary is between 20138 - 21154 £ per year.
At Cliffdale we are a strong and outstanding team who are committed to ensuring our pupils enjoy their learning and develop skills. We are a happy and supportive community, dedicated to providing amazing opportunities for our children and working closely with families to support them.
Due to the expansion of Cliffdale Primary Academy, we are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, inspiring and skilled SEN Teaching Assistants to join us. You need to be flexible, energetic and enthusiastic about working with children who have complex needs and/or autism. If you are up for a challenge, like to have fun and really want to help make a difference, then Cliffdale could be the place for you!
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
Salary & Benefits
- 33 hours a week, term time only
- Pay Band 4 + SEN Allowance
- Term time only salary for 33 hours a week £20,138- £21,154
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relational leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and well-being
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Increase in paid weeks after 5 years of service from 45.1 weeks to 45.9 weeks
- SEN Allowance with an increase after 3 and 5 years of service
- Life Insurance – 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- CPD opportunities to support career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Salary Extras
- Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for the Teaching Assistant roles are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8.30am – 3.30pm, Wednesday 8.30am – 3.30pm and until 4.15pm fortnightly, Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm and until 3.15pm fortnightly. You will work for 39 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 45.1 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year.
Location
Cliffdale Primary Academy
Battenburg Avenue
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 0SN
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 16th September 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 23rd September 2026.
Equal opportunities
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Teaching Assistant in Portsmouth employer: Dove House School
Cliffdale Primary Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teaching assistants can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to staff well-being, employees benefit from competitive salaries, pension schemes, and continuous training opportunities. Located in Portsmouth, the academy fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about inspiring and supporting students.
