1:1 Teaching Assistant - Shillingstone CE Primary School

Dorset Council; Sherborne; On-site; GBP 8,300 - 8,500; Part time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a caring, enthusiastic 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our supportive primary school team. You will provide 1:1 support to a child, assist with learning and development, and help create an inclusive, safe classroom environment.

The role runs 8.30am–12pm four mornings per week, with safeguarding checks including an enhanced DBS. Experience with young children is preferred; Level 2 or 3 TA qualifications are desirable but not essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in a school setting.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to a child in line with learning and care needs.
• Support emotional, social, and academic development in the classroom.
• Work with staff and parents to implement learning strategies.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment.
• Assist with record keeping and observations as required.

Skills

Experience with young children

Education

Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant

Job description

About the role

14 hours per week

Salary: Grade 5, SCP 5-6: £8,326-£8,458 per annum* (subject to experience)

*Salary quoted before 2026 pay award*

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our supportive primary school team.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about education and keen to make a meaningful difference to a child’s learning, confidence, and wellbeing. The successful candidate will work closely alongside class teachers, SENCOs, and members of the wider school staff to ensure the child feels safe, valued, and fully included in all aspects of school life.

The working pattern for this role is 8.30am–12pm, four mornings per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to a child, in line with their individual learning and care needs.
• Support the child’s emotional, social, and academic development in the classroom and during other school activities.
• Work closely with teaching staff and parents to implement and adapt learning strategies.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Assist with record keeping and observations as required.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with young children, ideally in a primary school or EYFS setting.
• Understands the importance of building trust and consistency.
• Is patient, nurturing, and adaptable to the changing needs of the child.
• Has excellent communication skills and works well as part of a team.
• Has relevant qualifications (e.g. Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, or equivalent experience – desirable but not essential).

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.