Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children with social, emotional and behavioural challenges? Perhaps you are looking to build on or develop your skill set through working with children with neurodiversity? Join our talented and supportive SEND team at Horizons Academy as one of our Behaviour Support Teaching Assistants to support pupils to access learning successfully through positive relationships, regulation strategies and interventions. The opportunity We are looking for compassionate, positive, and resilient individuals to join our dedicated, pupil centred team. This is a highly rewarding role where you will support pupils in overcoming barriers to learning, building trusting relationships, and thriving within our school community. Working under the guidance of the Assistant Principal and Behaviour Lead, you will play a key part in delivering personalised support to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, which may also include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other related learning difficulties. This will involve assisting in managing behaviour, promoting emotional regulation, and fostering positive relationships. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure and use positive behaviour strategies effectively. Working alongside teachers and support staff to create a safe and nurturing environment where every pupil can succeed. A relevant childcare qualification (NNEB, NVQ3 or equivalent) and previous experience of working within SEN are desirable. We know that our staff team are our greatest resource. Therefore, we invest heavily in them and we know that this has helped us to develop our stable, supportive and high performing teams. Your experience This is an ideal role for individuals with experience of supporting pupils with additional needs and challenging behaviour, perhaps as a support worker, carer or teaching assistant with an understanding of specific learning difficulties. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams within the academy. You’ll be able to display commitment to protection and safeguarding of children and young people. A relevant childcare qualification (NNEB, NVQ3 or equivalent) is desirable. If you are passionate about inclusion for all, calm under pressure and want to make a positive difference, then we would love to hear from you. Why join Horizons Academy? Horizons Academy is a brand new, state of the art special school which opened in January 2026, to 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). The academy has capacity to accommodate 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with class sizes of approximately 8 students. Our vision 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 is 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. Visits to the academy are welcomed and encouraged - please contact Amy Lomax alomax@yeomanpark-ac.org.uk to arrange, or for further information. 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 21.8% Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning Employee Assistance Programme GP helpline Health and wellbeing advice and support Eyecare vouchers Salary sacrifice schemes - car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics 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 benefits online Applications Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and ap