SEND Teaching Assistant

About this Role

Do you believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive through creativity, nature, and connection?

Mayflower Community Academy is looking for inspiring and compassionate Teaching Assistant (TA) to join our Targeted Provision: A Village of Creativity.

This unique role goes beyond traditional classroom support—it's about nurturing the whole child through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Key areas of couch, in addition to supporting teaching and learning within mainstream classes, is to increase attendance, develop a deeper sense of belonging, increase self-esteem and engagement and work in nature, where relevant to develop the whole child and in a holistic way.

As a TA, you will:

• Manage group sessions focused on nature-based learning, gardening, and outdoor exploration.
• Work alongside teachers and TAs in mainstream classes when relevant and necessary
• Support inclusive, creative activities such as community art, music, and local service projects.
• Foster strong relationships with pupils, families, and the wider community.
• Champion the principles of permaculture and holistic education.
• Support teaching and learning in class and become part of the whole school team approach to teaching and learning.

We’re looking for people who:

• Has TA experience or interest in developing in this role (or equivalent experience and qualifications - linked ideally to the arts, performing arts, permaculture, outdoor learning eg - Forest School and other equivalent experience).
• Brings a passion for creativity, inclusion, and alternative education approaches.
• Thrives working flexibly in a dynamic, child-centered environment—where education feels like family, and every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
• Can build positive and purposeful relationships with pupils and staff and develop experiences where pupils make and create as a contributor to our village of creativity set up.
• Work alongside Community, SENDCos and Leadership Team to become co-leader in the design and set up of our Village of Creativity and its curriculum.

About the School

Mayflower Community Academy, located in Plymouth, is a vibrant and inclusive primary school committed to providing exceptional education. In December 2023, the academy maintained its Outstanding Ofsted rating.

As part of the Learning Academies Trust, Mayflower Academy offers a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes excellence and enables every child to make the most of their distinctive talents. The school is at the heart of the community, working to establish the highest standards of behaviour and achievement, with students' safety and well-being as a priority

About the Trust

The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will… work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools.

Further information about the position, the trust and the benefits we offer can be found in the attached recruitment pack.

To request a tour of the school or to discuss the role in anyway please contact the school on the number below.

If you believe you can demonstrate the dedication, skills and passion required, we look forward to receiving your application. If there are no vacancies currently, but you would like to register your interest for future vacancies, please join our talent pool and we will be in touch as soon as we have a suitable position.

Please note, the closing date is for guidance only. Successful applicants will be invited to interview at the earliest available opportunity. Learning Academies Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.