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, life insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on relational culture and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and a passion for supporting special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 29171 - 33121 £ per year.
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. Named by pupils within our Trust, Luminous Oak represents strength, growth, and resilience, reflecting our commitment to empowering children and young people to thrive.
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 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. 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. 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.
For more details, please visit our website Solent Academies Trust - Our Vacancies. Please complete a Solent Academies Trust application form. For any questions or to submit your application, please email our HR team at recruitment@solentacademiestrust.info. Please 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.
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.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Luminous Oak Academy employer: Portsmouth City Council
Luminous Oak Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 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, we offer competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, life insurance, and opportunities for career advancement, making us a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Luminous Oak Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Luminous Oak Academy and its values. Understanding their commitment to SEMH needs will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from Luminous Oak on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experiences align with their Relational Culture Charter. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported children with special educational needs and how you embody their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to fill out the Solent Academies Trust application form completely. It’s your chance to shine, so don’t skip any details that showcase your passion and skills for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Luminous Oak Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see how much you 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 Academy. Highlight your experience and skills that align with our commitment to valuing difference and effective communication.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us get to know you better!
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 be considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Academy's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Luminous Oak Academy's Relational Culture Charter. Understanding their commitment to valuing difference and effective communication will help you align your answers with their core values.
✨Show Your Passion for SEN
Be ready to share specific examples of your experience working with children who have special educational needs. Highlight your resilience and how you've positively impacted their learning and emotional well-being in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to support pupils with SEMH needs. Think about past situations where you had to adapt your approach and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the school's culture, professional development opportunities, and how they support staff well-being. This shows your genuine interest in being part of their team.
