Teaching Assistant

Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Behaviour Focus)

Location: Dorchester, Dorset

Start Date: January 2027

Contract Type: Full-Time / Long-Term Supply / Permanent options available

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

About the School:

We are partnered with an inspiring Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) school located in Dorchester. The school provides a supportive, alternative learning environment for children and young people across Key Stages 1 to 4 (KS1–KS4) who experience Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, associated behavioral challenges, and Alternative Provision (AP) requirements.

The Role:

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in mentoring, supporting, and engaging students who may have disengaged from mainstream education. You will work closely with teachers and behavior specialists to foster a safe, calm, and inclusive learning atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support students on a 1-to-1 basis and in small groups across KS1–KS4.

• Help manage challenging behavior using positive behavior support strategies and de-escalation techniques.

• Foster positive relationships, acting as a trusted mentor and role model.

• Assist teachers in adapting learning materials to meet individual student needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

What We Are Looking For:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, challenging behavior, or SEND (experience within a PRU, residential care, youth work, or sports coaching is highly desirable).

• Resilience, empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor under pressure.

• A proactive, positive mindset and a passion for alternative education.

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Team Teach training, CACHE Level 3, or youth work qualifications) are a plus, but full training support is valued.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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