Teaching assistant

Location: Shaftesbury, Dorset
Job Type: Full-Time
Contract: Long-Term / Ongoing
Start Date: Immediate
Pay Rate: £14.25 per hour

Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a supportive school in Shaftesbury
. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who enjoys working with children and wants to play an active role in supporting pupils throughout their education.

The school is looking for someone who can provide consistent classroom support, build positive relationships with pupils and work effectively alongside teachers and other members of staff.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant or looking to take your first step into education, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your skills within a school environment.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will become an important member of the school's support team. You will work alongside teachers to help pupils engage with their learning and feel confident within the classroom.

The role may involve supporting pupils individually, working with small groups and assisting across the wider classroom depending on the needs of the school.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Providing targeted 1:1 support to pupils

• Working with small groups to reinforce learning

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum

• Assisting teachers during lessons and learning activities

• Helping pupils develop their literacy and numeracy skills

• Encouraging pupils to participate positively in classroom activities

• Supporting pupils who require additional help with their learning

• Promoting independence and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning

• Supporting positive behaviour and maintaining clear classroom expectations

• Helping pupils develop their confidence and communication skills

• Preparing and organising classroom resources

• Supporting pupils during transitions and less structured parts of the school day

• Maintaining a positive, calm and inclusive classroom environment

• Communicating effectively with teaching staff regarding pupil progress and support

• Working as part of a wider team to provide consistent support for pupils

The successful candidate will be someone who is patient, dependable and genuinely passionate about helping children succeed
.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• A positive and encouraging approach to working with pupils

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to establish trusting relationships with children and young people

• Patience and resilience when faced with challenging situations

• A willingness to learn and develop professionally

• The ability to follow guidance from teachers and senior staff

• Good organisation and time-management skills

• A flexible approach to supporting different pupils

• The ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

• A professional approach to safeguarding and confidentiality

Previous experience within a school is advantageous, but it is not essential
. Teaching Personnel also welcomes applications from candidates with relevant experience in childcare, youth work, mentoring, tutoring, sports coaching, residential care or other child-focused environments
.

Depending on the school's requirements, you may provide support to pupils with a range of additional needs.

Experience of working with SEND, Autism, ADHD, communication difficulties, social and emotional needs or behavioural needs would be beneficial.

Most importantly, you should be able to recognise that every pupil is different and be willing to adapt