Inclusion Teaching Assistant

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Inclusion Teaching/Learning Support Assistant to work within our brand-new inclusion centre, Rainbow Fish at Penbridge Schools. 

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). Class sizes are up to 8 pupils. 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. 

Click here for more information about Rainbow Fish unit.

Our School

Formally known as Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School, we officially joined together in September 2022 to form Penbridge Primary School. The infants site comprises of a nursery for 30 children and a 2-form entry infant school with 180 children on the roll including 16 in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion Unit.

“Pupils are happy and enjoy attending this welcoming school” – Ofsted 2022

 Find out more about our story at: Ethos & Values, Penbridge School

At Penbridge Schools, 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. 

Penbridge School is one of five primary schools and one secondary school in Portsmouth to benefit from Thinking Schools' award-winning resources, curriculum, and collaboration opportunities. 

What you will need to succeed:

• You will hold a relevant NVQ Level 2 or higher childcare qualification, and excellent literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE or equivalent, Grade C or above). 
• Provide teaching and learning to our students with the support of Classroom Teacher
• Coaching children on a 1:1 or group basis
• Commitment to supporting pupils to reach their full potential
• Effective communicator both orally and in writing
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Good ICT skills
• Understanding of the educational system and current developments

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across Kent, Hampshire and Plymouth. 

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.

Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:

• Think about their Thinking
• Be their Best self
• Shape their Success

In this way we transform life chances

Click Here To view our Trust video to gain an insight into The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

What our Trust will offer you:

•  The opportunity to work with and support happy and well-behaved children who are excited about learning and work with parents who are supportive of our school values and ethos. 
• Vast support network from senior leaders and other teachers within the school and our Trust including excellent CPD opportunities
• Staff recognition programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Refer a friend programme
• A 24/7 employee assistance programme which provides counselling and support / advice on a wide array of areas

Next Steps

If you are interested in working at our 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.

Visits to our school are very welcome and strongly encouraged. Please contact Sarah Arthur on Sarah.Arthur@penbridge.tsat.uk to arrange a suitable time.   

 If you experience any issues in applying for this role via our careers site, please click here to submit an application via Microsoft Forms

 If this position  is not quite right for you, but you would be interested for any other positions within our Trust please click here to join our Talent Pool.

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