Teaching Assistant - Placement Year

Placement Year Opportunity – SEN Teaching Assistant (September 2026 – July 2027)
Location: Bournemouth and Poole
Hours: Full Time (Monday–Friday, during school hours)
Start Date: September 2026

Are you a university student looking for a meaningful placement year as part of your degree? Are you studying Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or a related course and interested in gaining hands-on experience supporting children with additional needs?

We are offering an exciting full-time placement year opportunity for a motivated and compassionate students to join our school as a Teaching Assistant supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

About the Role

As a Placement Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and specialist staff to support students with a range of additional needs. You will help create a positive, supportive learning environment where pupils feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.

You will gain valuable experience in:

• Supporting students with autism, learning difficulties, communication needs, mental health challenges and complex needs
• Delivering small-group and 1:1 support
• Assisting with sensory and engagement-based learning activities
• Supporting emotional regulation and social development
• Working alongside teachers, therapists, and SEN professionals

Who We’re Looking For

• We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable university students who:
• Are completing a placement year as part of their degree starting September 2026
• Are studying Psychology or a related subject (Education, Childhood Studies, Speech & Language Therapy, etc.)
• Are available full time during the school week
• Have a patient, nurturing, and positive personality
• Are interested in working with children with additional needs
• Are keen to gain practical experience in an education or therapeutic setting
• Previous experience with children or young people is helpful but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable hands-on SEN experience for your degree and future career
• Insight into education, special needs support, and child development
• The opportunity to work with a supportive and experienced school team
• A rewarding role where you will make a real difference to pupils’ lives

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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