Teaching Assistant (Level 2) - Lotus Academy in Sheffield

Join the Nexus team as a Teaching Assistant (Level 2) at Lotus Academy.

Hours: 32.5 hours per week

Contract type: Full Time (Term Time Only) / Permanent

Interview date: Thursday 10th September 2026 or Friday 11th September 2026

About our School:

Lotus Academy, located in north Sheffield, is a specialist state‑funded school for pupils aged 6–16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school opened in September 2024 and is part of the Nexus Multi Academy Trust, providing high‑quality, inclusive education for up to 100 pupils.

At Lotus Academy, our vision is to create a safe, relational and aspirational environment where every pupil is understood, valued and equipped to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We believe that with the right relationships, structure and emotional safety, every child can grow, learn and succeed.

• Safety: Emotional and physical safety underpin every decision we make.
• Relationships First: Positive, consistent, trusting relationships are at the heart of our practice.
• Belonging: We ensure every pupil feels seen, heard and valued within our community.
• Resilience & Growth: We nurture self‑regulation, confidence, and independence through trauma‑informed approaches.
• Ambition: We maintain high aspirations for every learner, recognising their strengths and celebrating progress in all forms.

As a specialist SEMH provision, we operate through a trauma‑informed, relational approach embedded across classrooms, routines and leadership behaviours. Small class sizes, personalised learning pathways, and a strong emphasis on emotional regulation ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive.

Our staff team works collaboratively with families, external professionals, and trust partners to provide a consistent, nurturing, and forward‑thinking learning environment. Joining Lotus Academy means becoming part of a compassionate, committed, and innovative team that genuinely changes lives. Staff are empowered, supported, and valued, working within a culture that prioritises wellbeing, teamwork, and professional growth.

If you are passionate about making a difference and believe in the power of relationships, Lotus Academy is an inspiring place to build your career and transform the futures of young people.

About the Trust:

This is an exciting opportunity to join an award-winning Multi Academy Trust and be part of a welcoming and supportive team that serves amazing children and young people. Nexus Multi Academy Trust was founded in 2016, with 19 unique SEND and mainstream academies. We are a growing, forward-thinking and innovative Trust with a shared ethos, vision and values for a personalised child-centred approach.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible Teaching Assistant to join a team of dedicated staff who are committed to providing an excellent learning environment and become part of a successful team in a busy working environment.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant who has worked within a mainstream or specialist education setting, or someone who has exceptional vocational skills and a real drive to make a difference in children’s lives, you must be able to provide our children with aspirations for their futures along with promoting a positive culture in everything you do.

Knowledge of SEN will be advantageous and you must be able to respond to the emotional, social and mental health needs of our children and young people. You will be required to ensure the safety of our children and young people and facilitate their access to learning by responding to individual needs, which may include personal care and hygiene needs such as toileting and nappy changing.

Via your excellent interpersonal skills, you will have the opportunity to make judgements on the attainment and progress of our students and be able to help them celebrate success. You will be working as part of a team supporting whole class lessons, group work and working one to one with pupils. You will be part of a committed staff team who are motivated every day by improving the life chances of our children and young people.

What you can expect from us:

• Access to free wellbeing support resources including counselling, medical and legal advice and an option to top up to private healthcare via corporate membership of a healthcare plan.
• Access to discount schemes for savings with high street retailers, restaurants, activities and lifestyle services.
• Auto enrolment into a leading pension scheme with Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to extensive and tailored career pathways, CPD programmes, training and coaching giving you the opportunity to grow and develop your career.
• An Induction package to help you settle in and approach your role with confidence and enthusiasm.
• The ability to contribute to and share quality practice with other professional TAs, Teachers and the wider team.
• Internal opportunities across the Trust academies and to work with specialised leaders in education on nationally recognised projects.
• Flexible working policies.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Annual leave increases based on length of service plus bank holidays for support staff.

Nexus Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post involves working with children and young people. If successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level and a barred list check. Further information about the Disclosure and Barring Service can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.