Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge!

Teaching Assistant

Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

£23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)

40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm

Permanent | Term Time Only

September 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

Interview Process:
Interviews will be face‑to‑face and will include working with students in class. Applicants will need to allow 3 hours for the interview process.

Are you passionate about helping young people achieve more than they ever thought possible? At Dibden Park School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of that journey—supporting pupils to overcome challenges, celebrate successes and develop the confidence, independence and skills they need for the future. This is more than just a job.

It’s an opportunity to be part of a supportive, ambitious and rewarding school community where every day brings new experiences, new achievements and the chance to make a lasting difference.

• Supporting pupils’ learning, personal development and emotional wellbeing.
• Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging, inclusive and inspiring lessons.
• Providing one‑to‑one and small group support tailored to individual needs.
• Encouraging confidence, resilience, independence and positive behaviour.
• Preparing resources and helping create stimulating learning environments.
• Supporting exciting indoor, outdoor and enrichment activities.
• Building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Contributing to a collaborative school culture where every pupil can succeed.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Caring, patient and passionate about helping young people achieve their potential.
• Enthusiastic, proactive and ready to make a positive impact every day.
• A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively with others.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to challenges.
• Confident supporting pupils with a range of learning, social and emotional needs.
• Creative, encouraging and committed to inclusive education.
• Motivated to learn, develop and build a rewarding career in education.

Dibden Park School is a brand‑new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence and resilience.

Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and…