Bank Teaching Assistant

Fostering Solutions; Southampton; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Vista discounts

Cycle to Work

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

OFG Education is seeking flexible Bank Teaching Assistants for Bower Lodge School in Dibden, Southampton. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with classroom activities, and help create a calm, inclusive learning environment for students with autism and complex needs.

The role is term-time only, bank staffing, with start in November 2026. Applicants should have GCSEs in English, Maths and Science and a caring, patient approach. UK applicants only; sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Caring, patient and encouraging approach to supporting students.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships.
• Calm, resilient and adaptable attitude in challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and school staff.
• Genuine enthusiasm for helping young people learn and succeed.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
• Experience in education, care, youth work or similar support role is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to engage learning.
• Work with teachers to create positive, inclusive learning experiences.
• Build trusting relationships so students feel safe and valued.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive behaviour.
• Adapt support to meet individual learning, social and emotional needs.
• Maintain a calm, nurturing classroom environment.
• Support wider school team and provide additional cover when required.

Skills

GCSEs English

GCSEs Maths

GCSEs Science

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Education

GCSEs English, Maths and Science (Grade 4/C+)

Job description

Bank Teaching Assistant

Salary: £13.25 per hour

Hours: To be discussed with the school

Job title: Teacher Assistant - Bank Staff

Location: Bower Lodge School, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TD

Salary: £13.25 per hour

(not pro rata)

Hours: To be discussed with the school.

Contract: Bank| Term Time only

Start: November 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

About the Role

Looking for a flexible role that fits around your life while making a real difference to young people?

At Bower Lodge School, we're looking for caring, enthusiastic and reliable Bank Teaching Assistants to support our students and become part of our welcoming school community.

As a member of our bank team, you'll have the opportunity to work on a flexible basis, supporting the school when additional cover is needed. Whether you're balancing family commitments, studying or simply looking for greater flexibility, this could be the perfect opportunity to put your skills to good use.

You’ll play an important role in helping students build confidence, develop independence and engage positively with learning. No two days will be quite the same, but every day you work will be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

What you will be doing

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support, helping students engage with learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Work alongside teachers to create positive, inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
• Build trusting relationships that help students feel safe, supported and valued.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive behaviour through consistent and supportive approaches.
• Adapt your support to meet students' individual learning, social and emotional needs.
• Help maintain a calm, nurturing and welcoming classroom environment.
• Support the wider school team by providing additional assistance and cover when required.

Who We’re Looking For

We're looking for dependable and approachable individuals who enjoy working with young people and can adapt to the changing needs of a busy school.

You’ll bring:

• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• A caring, patient and encouraging approach to supporting students.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships.
• A calm, resilient and adaptable attitude, particularly when faced with challenges.
• The ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other school colleagues.
• A genuine enthusiasm for helping young people learn, grow and succeed.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.

Experience in education, care, youth work or a similar support role would be valuable, and we also welcome applicants with relevant transferable skills.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Bower Lodge School is a specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4-11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs.

With capacity for 40 students, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Bower Lodge School, every child is valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students 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 the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students 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) – Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – Critical illness cover
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

Salary: Up to £27,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

With amazing teams working across our family of brands - Acorn Education, Options Autism, Momenta Connect and Blenheim Schools- we offer a huge range of exciting career opportunities.

Take a closer look and discover how fulfilling your career could be.

Meeting the social and emotional needs of pupils who have faced trauma or adversity, equipping them for life’s important steps.

Supporting autistic pupils to value their uniqueness and access the world in their own way.

At Momenta Connect we support young people to overcome barriers and engage with education.

We are committed to enabling outstanding futures for all children through a portfolio of inclusive, high-quality independent and international schools.