Teaching Assistant (Lewisham Scale 3)

TIDEMILL – AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO WORK

Tidemill Academy is an outstanding two- form entry primary school situated in next to the busy and diverse Deptford High Street, 6 minutes from London Bridge by train. With a vibrant market, lots of exciting new shops and bars and a thriving art scene on the doorstep, Tidemill is an exceptional place to work.

THE AREA
Our school is co-located with the golden Deptford Lounge building, which we moved into in January 2012 as part of a £29 million regeneration programme. As a result we have great sports facilities, professional stage lighting and state of the art technology, classrooms and learning environments. We are now a key feature of the Deptford landscape and part of the wider regeneration sweeping through the area. Deptford is well-located, only 6 minutes from London Bridge, 11 minutes from Cannon Street and Waterloo and accessible by DLR. 

Deptford has a rich maritime history, is accessible to Greenwich on foot and is well located to explore the many educational attractions of London and beyond. At the heart of Deptford and almost on our doorstep is the colourful market, the food and fruit and veg stalls highlighting the diversity of the local community. There is a thriving arts scene with the Laban Dance Centre, a number of local galleries, studio spaces and the Albany theatre just a stone’s throw away from the school.

THE SCHOOL
Our school roll is currently 465 pupils and we are over-subscribed in nearly all year groups. We have a 26 place nursery with a mix of full and part-time pupils and we also have a Speech, Language and Communication Resource Base for 16 pupils. Tidemill enjoys generous staff:pupil ratios with HLTAs in most classes, specialist music, PE and art teachers to cover PPA and additional teaching staff providing interventions. Our vision for Tidemill is clear; we believe that our children must have the best possible education in order to improve their life chances. This vision is met through our aims, which are to:

• Equip children with the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the 21st century 
• Have high expectations of every child and value them as individuals 
• Utilise creativity to promote life-long learning 
• Celebrate diversity, challenge prejudice and bullying 
• Provide a safe and supportive environment which empowers children to achieve their best 
• Have strong, meaningful links with parents, carers and the local and global community

NATIONAL TEACHING SCHOOL
In March 2013, Tidemill gained Teaching School status. This has enabled us to continue our work supporting other schools and additional funding has meant that we have been able to expand into other areas such as educational research. This ensures that Tidemill is at the cutting edge of teacher development and training. The Endeavour Teaching School Alliance includes our strategic partners Robert Fitzroy Academy, Aerodrome Academy, REAch2 and the Institute of Education. Together we work to develop schools in our network and beyond in the areas of:-
• Initial Teacher Training
• Peer-to-Peer professional and leadership development
• Identifying and developing leadership potential
• Designating and brokering Specialist Leaders in Education
• Research & Development

STAFF BENEFITS
Our staff team are exceptional and we reward them with additional benefits over and above the National Pay and Conditions in recognition of their dedication and commitment:- 

• Outstanding CPD and career development opportunities, including writing and leading teaching programmes
• Opportunities for Specialist Leader of Education training and work
• Interest free loans for season tickets and bicycle purchase
• Childcare voucher scheme
• Heavily subsidised Masters courses
• International links / development oportunities
• Staff children included in admissions criteria

THE FUTURE
These are exciting times for Tidemill and we are looking for exceptional experienced teachers, as well as capable and enthusiastic young teachers who can be supported and developed by our talented staff team, to join our vibrant Tidemill family. 

Tidemill is a busy, innovative school which has always worked flexibly with positions and start dates to secure the right staff.  Please feel free to speak with the Head if you would like to discuss your career aspirations, start date or just to get a feel for whether the school is the right place for you.