Primary Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant

Tor School; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Tor School in Yeovil is seeking a dedicated Primary Learning Support Assistant/Teaching Assistant to support pupils in learning and promoting their physical and emotional wellbeing. The role is permanent, full-time (37 hours per week, term time only) with start as soon as possible and closing date 2026-09-04.

A rewarding opportunity to join a committed team at a pupil referral unit. This role focuses on helping pupils engage with learning, supporting teachers, and fostering resilience and

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils in learning and promoting wellbeing.
• Understanding safeguarding and pupil welfare.
• Motivation to work with young people and contribute to a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Work with class teachers to raise learning and attainment for individual pupils.
• Promote independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.
• Support pupils 1:1 or in groups to access the curriculum and achieve.
• Assist in developing and monitoring Individual Education Plans and programmes of work.

Skills

Resilience

Emotional resilience

Diversity awareness

Communication skills

Prioritisation & problem-solving

Job description

Primary Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant

Location: Wyndham View, Yeovil

Salary: Grade 14 (£21,566 actual pay)

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week, Term time only)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: Friday 4th September 2026

Are you creative, resilient and ready to work with some of the most interesting pupils the education system has to offer? Then Tor School is the school for you.

This is an exciting role and one that will enable the successful candidate to help our pupils be the best versions of themselves. We are seeking to appoint a highly effective individual and colleague who wishes to make a difference to the lives and opportunities of young people and join our successful, supportive and committed team.

Tor School is a special place to work. Joining Tor is like a family; we look out for each other, we are supportive of each other and you always feel part of a team that is there for you. It can be challenging but the feeling of being part of a body of people who will help you is quite special. We believe in people and their capacity; we look for the good. All people at Tor School, staff and pupils, are valued and invested in as part of our commitment to helping us all to better reach our potential.

We are keen to appoint the right person with the personal qualities that will make them a success at Tor School. Skills can be developed, but the passion to work with young people and the personal attributes are fundamental. Graduates are encouraged to apply and all experience is considered equally.

Tor School is Pupil Referral Unit based in Glastonbury, Yeovil and Chard. Tor School is committed to providing the best education possible for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in East Somerset.

Job Purpose:

To complement the work at Tor School through supporting pupils to engage in learning, ensuring safeguarding and promoting their physical and emotional wellbeing.

This job description is not a complete list of tasks, but rather provides an outline of the main responsibilities of the post.

Main duties and Core responsibilities:

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of an individual pupil
• Promote the pupil s independence, self-esteem and social inclusion by working with pupils
• Support the pupil, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement
• Support the pupil, individually or in groups, so that they are able to succeed in social interactions, and build their confidence, self-esteem and friendship group
• Be pupil focussed and work in a positive way that enables them to achieve
• Support pupils 1:1 or in small groups, supporting / facilitating learning

Learning support

• To support the holistic learning of individuals and groups of pupils
• Supporting in the assessment and recording of progress towards targets and learning outcomes cross the curriculum
• To support pupil s pastoral needs and give them the support they require throughout the day as required
• To encourage, and find ways to engage, pupils in a positive activity
• To act as a mentor and be an active listener should pupils need support in this way
• Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of pupils general and specific learning needs to support their learning
• Assist in the development, monitoring and evaluation of Individual Education Plans and programmes of work
• Promote the development of key skills and independence
• To take responsibility as required in supporting individuals, or groups of pupils, in off-site learning opportunities and assist in the preparation for these
• To have the inter-personal skills and effective communication skills to work in partnership with parents, including contributing to meetings

Ensuring pupils emotional well-being

• Establish positive relationships with all pupils and promote the inclusion of all
• Seek to ensure the promotion and reinforcement of pupils self-esteem and the development of positive strategies to manage their emotions effectively
• Seek to develop pupils respect for diversity and difference
• Be committed to the safeguarding of pupils

Professional development

• Participate in staff meetings and undertake professional development within contracted hours or outside normal hours by agreement
• To undertake training as required for the role

Learning environment and administration

• Take an active role in establishing and maintaining a tidy, well organised and positive learning environment
• Prepare resources and display pupils work. Maintain files, photocopy and use ICT systems for administration and school communication purposes

Key Competencies

• Resilience as the environment can be challenging. Ability to remain calm and controlled as see behaviour as an unmet need.
• Emotional resilience and ability to manage potentially challenging and difficult contact with parents and young people
• Proven ability to demonstrate an understanding and practical application of diversity issues and how this is embedded in all working practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Competency in prioritising, problem-solving and creative thinking.

Tor School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS and all relevant pre-employment checks, including social media screening