Level 3 Teaching Assistant (SENSA)

Portland School, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST11 9JG

14 days remaining to apply

Job start date
7 November 2025
Closing date
21 November 2025 at 9am
Date listed
7 November 2025

Job details

Job role: Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage: Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary: Grade 5 SCP 16-20 £25,989-£27,254 FTE

Level 3 Teaching Assistant (SENSA) job summary

Portland School are recruiting for fabulous SENSA’s to support learning in the classroom for pupils with a range of SEMH needs.

This is an exciting time to join Portland as we are a growing school and are continually welcoming new pupils through our doors and therefore need additional enthusiastic support assistants to add to our team.

The applicant may work within the classroom itself or be asked to support a child 1:1 outside for the classroom for some sections of the day.

A driving license would be desirable as you may need to work on 1:1 basis off site.

Job Purpose

To work with teachers as part of a professional team to organise and support learning activities for SEMH pupils, within and outside of the classroom.
To deliver specified work under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher on a 1:1 or small group basis.
To plan, organise and undertake other related duties to support pupils who have experienced trauma.
To evaluate specialist learning and therapeutic activities with the teacher and provide feedback.

At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. We are a split site school with two provisions to meet different needs, one at Trent Vale one at Blythe Bridge. We have an amazing staff team who work tirelessly to support approximately 140 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

As a specialist school our pupils benefit from smaller class sizes, a more practical curriculum, access to alternative accreditations and a highly trained staff team. Both sites have spacious grounds allowing us to provide outdoor

education, with our Blythe Bridge site boasting specialist classrooms for Design and technology, Art and Design, Science, Food technology and PE.

At the heart of our school are a set of shared values where our entire school community are supported to develop a sense of Respect, Responsibility, Belonging, Independence, show a Team Approach and look after their own Mental Toughness.

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.

We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.

If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.

Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
Free Eye Tests
Cycle to work scheme
Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.

Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
Participating in peer reviews.
Access to a suite of online courses.
Placement projects within our family of schools.

Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866

Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time plus 5 Inset Days (39 weeks total)

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.