Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of young people with complex special educational needs?

We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our team from September 2026. This full-time role offers the opportunity to support children and young people with severe and complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication and interaction needs, sensory processing differences, and associated social, emotional and behavioural challenges.

This is a highly rewarding role, but it also requires patience, resilience, adaptability and a genuine commitment to supporting young people with significant additional needs. Some pupils may be non-verbal or have limited communication skills, require personalised learning approaches, and need support with emotional regulation, independence and daily living skills.

Our young people thrive when surrounded by adults who believe in their potential, understand their individual strengths and challenges, and are committed to helping them achieve meaningful outcomes. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every student can develop confidence, communication skills, independence and self-esteem.

The successful candidate will:

• Build positive, trusting and consistent relationships with young people.
• Support pupils with severe and complex SEND both in and out of the classroom.
• Work alongside teachers and therapists to deliver personalised learning programmes.
• Support communication using a range of approaches and strategies.
• Assist pupils with emotional regulation, social development and independence skills.
• Adapt support to meet individual learning, sensory and behavioural needs.
• Celebrate progress and help students achieve their personal goals.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Has experience supporting children and young people with needs similar to those mentioned above.
• Is patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Can remain calm and professional when supporting pupils who may present with challenging behaviours linked to their needs.
• Is able to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to promoting the wellbeing, dignity and success of every learner.

This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that places the needs of young people at the heart of everything it does. We are looking for individuals who understand that progress may look different for every learner and who are committed to helping children and young people achieve their fullest potential.

Full Time | September 2026 Start | Dorset

If you are ready to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

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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