About this role
ROLE Teaching Assistant Level 3
Salary Range: Grade E - Between FTE £27,362 - £33,898 / Actual £20,956 - £25,916 + SEN Allowance - Cost of living pay uplift pending from 1 April 2026 (subject to agreement).
Location: The Heights Academy, Auckland Dr, Birmingham, B36 0DD
Contract: Full time, Permanent, Term-Time Only
The Heights Academy opened in September 2023 in a brand-new build, and this is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the next stage of the journey of growth and development. Initially we are open to pupils in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, but over time, will grow to cater for 116 pupils across Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. All of our pupils have an EHCP with a diagnosis of Autism.
Teaching Assistants are responsible for supporting and leading small groups and individuals with Maths, English, Reading, SEMH, vocational and practical activities, supporting pupils to develop resilience, social skills and self-esteem, and deploying effective strategies for supporting pupils with a range of behavioural needs.
The successful candidate will:
Provide support into pupils across the school, adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures.
Supervising groups and occasionally whole classes for a session
Providing a high standard of nurturing and education, through quality interactions and by developing strong, authentic relationships, for all children within our school. As well as on a one-to-one basis if required.
Being proactive, flexible and a reliable team player, offering support to colleagues when required.
Building and maintain strong relationships with all to enable all children to flourish and our communities’ needs are at the forefront of all we do.
Helping the children to make progress working closely with a supportive and experienced team, as well as other external professionals. You will regularly feedback to both the class teacher, SLT and your colleagues regarding children’s progress and general wellbeing.
NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications or experience would be desirable
All applications: All Applicants In line with our commitment to safeguarding will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure, proof of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from at least your last two employers, evidence of required qualifications and medical clearance
Competitive Benefits:
Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:
Teacher Pension or Support Staff Local Government Pension - Employer Contribution
FET HUB - information all in one place, access to a range of benefits
Paid for Health Cash Plan - employee and dependent children benefit - option to add partner
Employee Questionnaire - Consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas
Comprehensive induction and probation support and an ongoing performance management & appraisal system
Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme - free, totally confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations
Personal & professional learning & development - including FLICK online learning and other resources
Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks
Occupational Health Service - accessible to support the needs of individual staff
Staff recognition - e-cards to celebrate success among colleagues
Mental Health First Aiders
Policies are developed and reviewed to support positive health & well-being: Family Friendly Working, Special Leave of Absence, Flexible Working, Menopause
Our well-being support for Assistant Headteachers focuses on managing accountability, workload, and emotional intelligence through professional supervision, peer mentoring, and a supportive organisational culture
Staff recognition - awards throughout the year, in line with Trust behaviours and values
A commitment to develop new ideas to show we really value what you do for our children
Closing Date for Applications: 19th June 2026 at 10am
Interview Date: 29th June 2026
The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date. Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.
Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust Application forms will be accepted; we will not read accompanying Curriculum Vitae (CV) or accept them in place of an application form.
If you do not hear from the school within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. The successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
An online search will also be carried out for all shortlisted candidates.
Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos.
The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification; qualifications, medical fitness; identity and right to work and two references.