At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Luminous Oak Academy, a new school dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 29171 - 33121 £ per year.
We are looking for a higher level teaching assistant who has high expectations and lots of energy! You need to enjoy working with children with special educational needs, be resilient and able to positively support our amazing pupils.
Luminous Oak is a brand-new special free school dedicated to transforming the lives of children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Opening in September 2026 with 40 pupils in Years 5 to 8, Luminous Oak will grow over three years to be a state-of-the-art, 125-place academy for pupils in Years 4 to 11, based in the heart of the Boorley Gardens development in Eastleigh.
The school's cutting-edge facilities will include:
- 15 classrooms and specialist practical learning spaces
- Therapy and intervention areas tailored to SEMH support
- A fitness suite to promote well-being and self-regulation
- Extensive outdoor spaces, including sensory courtyard and a multi-use games area
We offer you the opportunity to bring your enthusiasm and skills to Luminous Oak, to ensure our pupils achieve their very best.
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Valuing Difference
- 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
Band 6 + SEN Allowance
Annual FTE salary £29,171 - £33,121
By joining the Luminous Oak Academy team, we offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relation leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing
- 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
- Competitive employer pension contribution
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support Service
- SEN Allowance, which increases after 3 and 5 years of service
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Salary Extras Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for this role are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 08:00am to 4pm, Wednesday 08:00am to 4pm and until 4:30pm fortnightly, and Friday 08:00am to 3:15pm.
Location
Solent Academies Trust
Flycatcher Road
Boorley Green
Hamphire
SO32 2FG
Deadline and how to apply
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust application form. For any questions or to submit your application, please email our HR team. Note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust form. Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held week beginning 22nd June 2026. Please note, candidates may be invited to attend a 5-minute pre-screening interview via Teams.
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.
High Level Teaching Assistant employer: Dove House School
Luminous Oak Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children with special educational needs. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to employee well-being, we empower our staff to thrive alongside our pupils. Located in the vibrant Boorley Gardens development, our state-of-the-art facilities and emphasis on relational practice create a fulfilling environment for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land High Level Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Luminous Oak's values and mission. This will help you connect your experiences with their goals, showing them you're a perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your skills align with supporting children with SEMH needs. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your resilience and energy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni if possible. They can give you insider tips on what the school is really like and what they value in a teaching assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Luminous Oak team!
We think you need these skills to ace High Level Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children with special educational needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and culture of Luminous Oak. Highlight your experience and skills that align with our commitment to high expectations and resilience.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the role of a High Level Teaching Assistant. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application using the Solent Academies Trust form on our website. It’s the only way we’ll accept applications, so make sure you follow this step to get your foot in the door!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Luminous Oak's Relational Culture Charter. Familiarise yourself with their values like 'Valuing Difference' and 'High Challenge & High Support'. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Show Your Energy and Enthusiasm
As they're looking for someone with lots of energy, be sure to convey your passion for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and resilience.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations with pupils who have SEMH needs. Think about your approach to supporting these children and be ready to discuss strategies that promote well-being and self-regulation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their professional development opportunities or how they implement their relational culture in daily practice. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
