Teaching assistant

Contact:
Joseph Chambers, Phone , Email

• Job Type: Temporary
• Location:
  
  Somerset
• Salary:
  Negotiable
• Start Date:
  
  Fri 27th Feb 2026
• Contact Name:
  Joseph Chambers
• Contact Email:
• Contact Phone:

An excellent, well‑resourced special school in Yeovil is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves working with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and/or mental health challenges, providing 1:1 and small‑group support throughout the school day. This opportunity would suit someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker, or similar.

However, applicants from related backgrounds such as mental health, sport, care, or youth work are also encouraged to apply.

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, both in the classroom and during outdoor activities
• Helping pupils remain focused, calm, and regulated throughout the day
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual pupil needs
• Supporting pupils with a range of needs, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs, and behavioural challenges
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff to help pupils reach their full potential
• Creating and maintaining a safe, stimulating, and positive learning environment

• Kind, patient, and compassionate individuals
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Confident in managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation
• Strong communicators with a positive, proactive mindset
• Able to build rapport with young people, especially those who may struggle to trust adults
• Previous SEND experience is desirable but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills

• Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.

Note:

If you do not have a Non‑Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70, which will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

Pay:
Five Education operates a PAYE payroll – the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer’s NI. Pay rate includes holiday pay.

• Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days).
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working.

Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level.