Post: Teaching Assistant

Role: SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: PEAK Academy, Drake Lane, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5HD

FTE Salary Range: NJC Grade F pt. 9-11. £27,254 : £28,598 pro rata

Actual Salary: £20,483 rising to a maximum of £21,493 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent, term time only

Contract Hours: 31.25 hours per week

To find out more about the school, click the following link to the applicant pack: The PEAK Academy Applicant Pack

About the role

PEAK Academy is looking to recruit an exceptional Teaching Assistant to join our team who is passionate about transforming the lives of children with SEND. You will join a team of dedicated SEND professionals who are committed to empowering every young person to become a safe, confident and independent member of society and will work as part of the team to promote the academic, social and emotional learning of pupils with special needs.

As a teaching assistant at the school you will;

Support provision within a caring and supportive SEMH environment;

Support pupils in developing effective relationships with peers, younger pupils and adults, challenging anti-social behaviour;

Help pupils to develop self-reliance and confidence in a range of areas including decision making, problem solving and general life skills, and deal in a positive way with their emotions;

Lead a literacy and a numeracy group;

Prepare and deliver interventions;

Liaise with colleagues and parents as required.

You will need to be a team player and collaborator, sharing ideas and strategies with colleagues whilst learning from them, and reflecting on what has and (sometimes!) hasn’t worked and seeking improvement through solution focussed practice.  You will be committed to working in a rapidly improving SEMH school, within an ambitious trust, committed to the individual needs of its pupils.

At the Peak Academy we know that many of our young people will have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and often early childhood trauma, as well as negative experiences in their education and schooling before they reach us. Therefore our provision is based around a strong curriculum base and draws on trauma informed practise and the utilisation of nurture approach practises to meet need.

About the School

Peak Academy is a day specialist provider of education in Dursley, Gloucestershire for children and young people aged from 11 to 16 years who have an SEMH profile. There are currently 60 pupils on roll but, in partnership with the LA we are working to diversify both number and age range.

Our aim is to build safe independent lives for the SEMH population through a process of understanding, support, and enablement. To achieve this goal the school looks at the unique impact social, emotional, and mental health experiences has on the individual child. From this we aim as a school to personalise the child’s curriculum, care, and therapeutic package to ensure every child achieves and experiences success and independence.

Peak Academy formally joined Reach South Academy Trust in August 2022. The Trust has secured capital to ensure the capacity for growth and diversification.

This is a unique opportunity to not only join the team at The Peak Academy, but also to work for a Trust within a framework of specialist provision. The Trust, our schools, and our pupils require teachers who are looking to be innovative, bold, and collaborative.  You can help to design your pupil’s curriculum and influence their future.  Your work will always be challenging and rewarding as a part of the Reach South Specialist team.

About the Trust

We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.

We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.

These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.

Next Steps

If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by contacting the school.  We would be happy to facilitate a visit to our site to see the school in operation.  Contact details are:

suzanne.easingwood@thepeakacademy.org

Tel.  01453 542130 

Closing date: for applications is 21st June 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are provisionally booked for w/c 29th June 2026

To apply for this opportunity, please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply now’ on the advert.  

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

Opportunities and Benefits 

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits. 

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.