Job Description

Salary

Grade 3 25 588.
Actual salary term time only 21 848.22

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Job type

Support Staff - Educational

Location

Horizons Academy
Ravensdale Road
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 2DP

Job category

Teaching Assistant

Date posted

15/09/2025

Job reference

R05228

Join Horizons Academy as one of our Teaching Assistants

Be part of Horizons Academy, a brand new, state of the art special school opening in January 2026 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The purpose-built academy will meet the needs of children and young people from Key Stages 2 to 5 with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), along with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). We are seeking highly motivated and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join us at this exciting time to be part of our talented and supportive SEND team from day one!

The academy will accommodate 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with class sizes of approximately 8 students.

Our vision for the new school is rooted in our firm belief that every child, regardless of individual need or ability, deserves an education that fosters inclusivity, meaningful engagement, and academic excellence. In meeting the wide-ranging specific needs of all learners, our curriculum will be aspirational, including a broad range of experiences but structured in such a way that it is accessible and can be tailored to the needs of every child. Ultimately, our vision is that every child and young person who learns within the walls of Horizons Academy will leave prepared for adulthood and can go on to be whoever they want to be and to achieve more than they could have ever imagined.

As our academy is currently under construction, it is not possible to offer visits to the school. We expect the construction to be completed in autumn 2025, ready to welcome the first students in January 2026.

Should you have any initial questions please email lsimms@yeomanpark-ac.org.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit one of our other Special Schools.

The successful candidates

We are looking for Teaching Assistants who have a passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs in a specialist setting or with SEND experience. The safeguarding of pupils with SEMH needs is essential along with creating a secure and nurturing environment so that children attend every day possible. You will work alongside the Principal, Senior Leaders and Teachers to ensure that every child experiences a positive and enriching educational experience and are well prepared and equipped for their future.

We are seeking people who are empathetic, professional and warm; someone who can be flexible and embrace a challenge.

As our academy is currently under construction, it is not possible to offer visits to the school. We expect the construction to be completed in autumn 2025, ready to welcome the first students in January 2026.

Should you have any initial questions please email lsimms@yeomanpark-ac.org.uk.

Our opportunities

We are seeking to recruit several Grade 3 teaching Assistants within the school. Should you wish to make an application, please specify your experience and why you are interested within your supporting statement.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

Teaching Assistants with SEND experience for primary and secondary aged children.

The successful candidates will:

Have working knowledge of working with students with SEMH and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and a high level of competence in communication and interpersonal skills. Want to be part of our founding team and support the set-up and opening of our new academy. Be qualified in a relevant childcare qualification to at least NNEB, NVQ3 (or equivalent), and previous experience of working within SEN is desirable. Have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of children. Be able to communicate effectively with parents and other professionals. Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and own position within these. Work within a wider team to ensure the best quality education and support is provided for the children and young people attending Horizons Academy.

Our employee benefits

At Diverse Academies, you'll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.

In return you will benefit from:

Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 14% Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust's Diverse Association for Professional Learning Full support and induction Networking opportunities across Diverse Academies Employee Assistance Programme Health and Wellbeing delivered through our occupational health provider, eyecare vouchers for a free eye test and contribution towards glasses for display screen equipment users and access to GP helpline. Salary sacrifice schemes - electric car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics. We offer a tax-efficient car salary sacrifice scheme for no deposit and can include car maintenance, servicing and breakdown cover for full peace of mind. Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc Health cash plan (personal or family) - where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc) Childcare - breakfast and after school provision Take a look at our rewards and benefitsonline

Applications

Please detail within the supporting statement section of your application form what skills, knowledge and experience make you the right person to be part of the founding team for Horizons Academy. Please ensure you include leadership information where this is relevant to your application.

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should we identify an appropriate candidate/s.

Closing date: Sunday 28th September 2025

Interview dates: tbc

Start date: January 2026

If you have any initial questions or would like to learn more about these opportunities, please email lsimms@yeomanpark-ac.org.uk

About Diverse Academies Trust

Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.

We empower. We respect. We care.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care. We expect everybody volunteering for the organisation to share this commitment. Any offer will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances. View our safeguarding and child protection policy.