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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate support for students with physical and sensory needs in an inclusive environment.
- Company: Join OIEA, a passionate Academy dedicated to fostering inclusivity and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 or 4 Teaching Assistant qualification preferred; experience with children essential.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team committed to excellence and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
About This Role – OIEA is an inclusive Academy seeking to appoint a passionate and experienced Physical and Sensory Support Lead. To lead and coordinate the provision for students with physical and/or sensory needs across the school. The post-holder will work collaboratively with the SENCO, external professionals and teaching staff to ensure that students with physical, visual, auditory or multisensory needs receive high-quality support that enables full access to the curriculum, promotes independence and enhances wellbeing.
Position details – This role is part time 19.5 hours per week, term time only. Working hours to be discussed at interview.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of interventions for students with physical and sensory needs.
- Coordinate support and contribute to personalised provision plans (PIP/EHCP targets).
- Act as the key link for external specialists (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mobility specialists, VI/HI services).
- Support staff training on physical and sensory strategies, equipment use and safe practice.
- Model best practice for supporting pupils with physical/sensory access needs.
- Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support to students with physical, visual, hearing, or multisensory impairments.
- Implement physiotherapy, sensory circuits, or OT programmes under the guidance of specialist professionals.
About The Academy
OIEA is an inclusive Academy, and our success to date is due to the fact we live and breathe our CARE values of Courage, Ambition, Respect and Excellence. These values help to determine our strong culture and create a climate in which every member of the school community is able to develop and improve. We are relentlessly positive and passionately care about the community that we serve.
About You
The successful candidate will have Level 3 or 4 Teaching Assistant qualification or be willing to work towards this qualification. It is essential to have experience working with children and young people, we encourage a diverse range of applicants who are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment and who are passionate about helping all students succeed.
Why Work for Ormiston
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact.
If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.
Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive.
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve.
- Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities.
- A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits.
We offer a competitive package of benefits for our staff including:
- A network of exceptional support staff, teachers, middle and senior leaders.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- The opportunity to achieve career development through excellent CPD opportunities (at a trust and school level).
- Access to Vivup platform for lifestyle savings, cycle to work scheme, and employee assistance programme.
How to Apply
To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above. Please note that CVs are not accepted.
For an informal chat or to arrange a visit please email k.meakin@oiea.co.uk who will facilitate.
Closing date for applications: 9am on 20 February 2026.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.
All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974.
All of our academy policies can be found here: policies.
Physical and Sensory Support Lead - Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/OIEA/78926 in Ilkeston employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Physical and Sensory Support Lead - Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/OIEA/78926 in Ilkeston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research OIEA's values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at OIEA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that align with the role. Show how you've successfully supported students with physical and sensory needs in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OIEA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Physical and Sensory Support Lead - Teaching AssistantEDV/2026/OIEA/78926 in Ilkeston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with physical and sensory needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Mention any specific strategies or interventions you've successfully implemented in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our academy.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of students with physical and sensory impairments. Familiarise yourself with relevant strategies, interventions, and the role of external professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
OIEA values inclusivity, so be ready to share examples of how you've supported diverse learners in the past. Talk about your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and how you can contribute to the academy's CARE values of Courage, Ambition, Respect, and Excellence.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team you'll be working with, and the support available for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse common interview questions related to teaching assistance and support for students with special needs. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers. The more prepared you are, the better you'll perform!
