Higher Level Teaching Assistant

We are seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work across both the Infants and Juniors at Penbridge Schools.

You will work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils, promoting pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion. The successful candidate will also provide support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement. 

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 children in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion Unit. The juniors site comprises of a 4-form entry school with 440 children on the roll. 

“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:

For a full list of responsibilities please see the attached Job Description.

• A HLTA qualification would be desirable
• Provide support to teachers in increasing achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team whilst also being able to demonstrate initiative
• Well-developed interpersonal skills in order to establish strong working relationships with a wide range of people including pupils, staff, parents and external professionals.
• Effective communication skills both orally and in writing

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 and career pathways
• An excellent Local Government pension scheme
• As a Trust we aim to foster a culture of appreciation with our fantastic Colleague recognition scheme
• Health and Wellbeing benefits including access to Thinking You - A 24/7 employee assistance programme for legal, financial, emergency health or lifestyle support
• Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' with a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers
• A 'Refer a Friend' incentive scheme

What you need to do now:

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 please contact Sarah Arthur on Sarah.Arthur@penbridge.tsat.uk 

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

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