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- Tasks: Support children with complex needs and help them thrive in a fun learning environment.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Cliffdale Primary Academy, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, SEN allowance, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and a flexible, energetic attitude.
The predicted salary is between 20446 - 27347 £ per year.
SEN Teaching Assistants 33 hours a week, term time only.
Pay Band 4 + SEN Allowance. Term time only salary for 33 hours a week £20,446 (Annual FTE salary £26,034 - £27,347).
Due to the expansion of Cliffdale Primary Academy, we are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, inspiring and skilled SEN Teaching Assistants to join us. 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.
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:
- 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 Cliffdale Primary Academy team, we offer you:
- SEN Allowance with an increase after 3 and 5 years of service
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development
- The opportunity to be part of an innovative and forward thinking school
- A happy, committed and supportive community
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- 17.9% employer pension contribution
- Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support Service
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Wellbeing Inset Day to support the wellbeing of our staff
- Increase of paid weeks after 5 years of service from 45.1 weeks to 45.9 weeks
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
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.
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust application form and specify if you have a choice of role, accompanied by a letter of application. In your letter, please describe the contribution you feel you can make to the achievement of pupils at Cliffdale Primary Academy. Please note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust application form.
For any questions or to submit your application, please email our HR team recruitment@solentacademiestrust.info.
Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd May, 09:00am. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
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 - Cliffdale Primary Academy in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Cliffdale Primary Academy in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Cliffdale Primary Academy's website and social media. Understanding their values and community vibe will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples! Think of specific times when you've made a difference in a child's learning or well-being. Sharing these stories will show how you embody the school's commitment to supporting pupils with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! At the end of your interview, don’t hesitate to ask about their approach to SEN support or professional development opportunities. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure you fill out the Solent Academies Trust application form properly. It’s the only way they’ll accept your application, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Cliffdale Primary Academy in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to check out our website and get a feel for what we're all about at Cliffdale Primary Academy. Understanding our values and culture will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with our team.
Be Personal and Specific: When writing your letter of application, make it personal! Share specific examples of how your skills and experiences can contribute to the achievement of our pupils. We love hearing about your passion for working with children, especially those with complex needs.
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you complete the Solent Academies Trust application form as specified in the job description. We can only accept applications submitted through this form, so don’t forget to include all the required details and your choice of role!
Proofread Before You Submit: Before hitting that send button, give your application a good proofread. Check for any typos or errors, and ensure your enthusiasm shines through. A polished application shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and autism. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children with complex needs. This shows you're not just enthusiastic but also knowledgeable!
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
Cliffdale Primary Academy values a love for learning, so be prepared to share examples of how you've inspired students in the past. Talk about creative ways you've engaged children and made learning fun, especially for those who might struggle.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with families and other staff, highlight your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a school setting.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations involving children with SEN. Think about real-life scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on solution-focused strategies that align with the academy's values.