Teaching Assistant (SEN Provision)

Penbridge School is seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant (SEN Provision) to work primarily within our inclusion centre, Rainbow Fish and across the Infants and Juniors sites as and when required. You will need to hold a relevant L2 or higher childcare qualification, have good communication skills and excellent literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE or equivalent, Grade 4/C or above). Experience of providing SEN support in a primary school is desirable but not essential.

Rainbow Fish provides state-of-the-art facilities for children with complex cognition and learning difficulties aged between four and nine, who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP). The children work towards being able to integrate into mainstream for some learning, with a high level of support to meet their specific needs from the provision staff. Our curriculum centres on each child as an individual, looking at their starting points and next steps. Class sizes are up to 8 pupils.

What you will need to succeed:

• Provide teaching and learning to our students with the support of the Classroom Teacher
• Coaching children on a 1:1 or group basis
• Ability to inspire and motivate
• Committed to supporting pupils to reach their full potential
• Effective communicator both orally and in writing
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Good ICT skills
• Participate in the Walking Bus between school sites as and when required
• Understanding of the educational system and current developments

About Us: Formally known as Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School, we officially joined together in September 2022 to form Penbridge Infants and Junior School. The infants site comprises of a nursery with 24 places for funded 2-4 year olds and a 2-form entry Infant school with 180 children on the roll including 24 in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion Unit. The Juniors site comprises of a 4-form entry school with 440 children on the roll.

At Penbridge School, we are a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. This enables us to create a unique offer for children: an "all-through" educational journey in which they remain with the same family of schools throughout their education. We are one of five primary schools and one secondary school in Portsmouth to benefit from Thinking Schools' award-winning resources, curriculum, and collaboration opportunities.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people and are recognised as the Multi Academy Trust Association Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

What our Trust will offer you:

• Competitive Pay Scales
• Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
• Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Training: Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
• Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
• Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• TSAT Benefits portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
• Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.

Next steps: If you are interested in working at our small and friendly school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today! Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. To arrange an informal telephone conversation or tour of the school please contact Sarah Arthur on Sarah.Arthur@penbridge.tsat.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk.