General Teaching Assistant - Forest School at Canford Heath Infant School

Dorset Council UK; Poole; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 5,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority seeks a General Teaching Assistant for Forest School at Canford Heath Infant School. The role involves supporting pupils with diverse needs and requires a passion for inclusion and emotional wellbeing. The position offers competitive pay and a supportive environment, as well as opportunities for professional development. Applicants must be willing to undertake additional qualifications and have a can-do attitude. Suitable for individuals who thrive in a collaborative setting.

Benefits

Superb opportunities for career professional development

Employee assistance programme

Competitive salary and pension contributions

Qualifications

• Experience working with pupils with a range of needs.
• A passion for inclusion and supporting pupils to succeed.
• Ability to maintain pupils’ emotional wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Support learning in a classroom environment.
• Collaborate with staff in a learning environment.
• Undertake Forest School qualifications if not qualified.

Skills

Experience working with pupils with additional needs

Ability to motivate and support learning

Passion for inclusion

Teamwork skills

Resilience and stamina

Job description

TEACH Poole Multi-Academy Trust
Ad Astra Infant School
Haymoor Junior School
Canford Heath Infant School
Canford Heath Junior School

General Teaching Assistant - Forest School

Canford Heath Infant School

Grade D (Point 5 to 6)

£25,584 to £25,989 per annum pro‑rate
(Actual salary, £4,593.56 to £4,666.28)

Term time only
8 hours per week
Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Permanent
Start date: ASAP

The TEACH Poole Multi Academy Trust was formed in April 2015. All four of our wonderful schools are graded as good or outstanding schools by Ofsted. We are extremely popular, over‑subscribed, forward‑thinking schools with supportive staff and fantastic children.

If You

• have experience of working with pupils with a range of needs
• have a range of strategies to motivate and support learning
• have a passion for inclusion and supporting pupils with additional needs to succeed in a classroom
• believe in supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing
• are keen to work in a supportive, learning environment
• work well in a team
• are able to bring energy and positivity to the role
• have a can‑do attitude to overcoming obstacles
• are prepared to go above and beyond
• have resilience and stamina

We Can Offer

• fun, friendly and supportive staff who get on well together
• rights‑respecting pupils with excellent attitudes to learning and outstanding behaviour
• superb opportunities and specialist training for career professional development within our Trust
• a fantastic induction programme
• enviable support at all levels, and a proactive approach to staff well‑being, work‑life balance and care for each person as an individual, including the ability to take time off during term time
• beautiful school grounds and welcoming learning environments
• highly competitive rates of pay and excellent pension contributions by the Trust
• employee assistance programme through Health Assured; and
• long service awards

The successful candidate must be willing to undertake the Forest School qualification (if not qualified). This will require attending training sessions outside normal working hours; these additional hours will be paid at the appropriate overtime rate.

Applicants should also be aware that, once the qualification has been completed, they will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of two years. If the postholder leaves before this period, the school reserves the right to reclaim the cost of the qualification.

Please contact the HR Department on 01202 380015 for more information. Applications should be made online via MyNewTerm at: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/141762/EDV-2025-CHIS-69752

We do not accept CV applications.

Closing date: 19 December 2025
Interviews: 13 January 2026

Personal information provided by candidates will be securely filed electronically and password protected, with paper copies locked in filing cabinets in a locked office. They will not be released to third parties outside the school without the consent of the person concerned, except where there is a legal requirement to do so. If the application does not proceed, the data will be securely disposed of after 6 months. Any concerns regarding data gathered in the recruitment process should be directed to the Data Manager - Hayley Hemmings at [e-mail].

These schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Rigorous checks will be undertaken of the successful applicant’s background credentials, including an enhanced DBS check. Online searches will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. Suitability to work with children will be explored at interview.