SEN Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover) at Heatherlands Primary School

Dorset Council; Poole; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Heatherlands Primary School, part of Coastal Learning Partnership in Poole, is seeking a SEN Teaching Assistant, Level 2, on a fixed maternity cover basis. The role is 30 hours per week during term time (39 weeks) from 8:45am to 3:15pm.

You will support a named child with SEND, work closely with the teaching team, and contribute to inclusive practice across the school with CPD opportunities. The successful candidate will join a supportive staff team and have access to professional development

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEND
• High energy and positivity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Child-centred approach to learning
• Aspiration for excellence
• Commitment to professional development

Responsibilities

• Support a named child during maternity leave.
• Work with the teaching team to plan and deliver support.
• Contribute to inclusive practice and safeguarding.

Job description

About the role

SEN Teaching Assistant, Level 2 (Maternity Cover)

Heatherlands Primary School

Hours: 30 hours per week

8:45am-15:15pm; Term time, 39 working weeks

Salary: Grade 3 SCP 4 - 6 (£26,016 - £26,847 FTE)

Actual Salary: £18,062 - £19,144 per annum, pro rata

Starting November 2026, Fixed term until November 2027

Enjoying Learning Together

We are looking to recruit a capable, committed and flexible SENTA to support a named child during the maternity leave of the substantive post holder.

• Experience working with children with SEND
• High levels of energy, positivity, motivation and resilience
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a team
• The ability to see every child as unique and build positive relationships
• Aspirations to achieve excellence in all you do
• Commitment to continued professional development and are willing to make a positive contribution to our whole school

In return for your commitment, we can offer an environment in which you are encouraged to learn and progress, whether this be through professional qualifications or an ongoing programme of CPD. Our group of very different schools provides a range of opportunities for secondment and progression for staff throughout the academic year.

For more information about the role please contact Deputy Headteacher, Kate Lloyd-Christie on 01202 743918, or visit our school website www.heatherlands.poole.sch.uk

Closing Date: Midnight, Tuesday 6th October 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

In accordance with our safer recruitment practices, CVs from external candidates will not be accepted.

Further Information

Coastal Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, and Enhanced DBS check, Child Barred List check and satisfactory references. We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, 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 on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. Applicants are advised that it is an offense to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

CLP is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants who meet the person specification will receive equal consideration for employment. We value the fact that our schools are very different, as are our colleagues within them. Our culture is one in which colleagues serve and inspire each other in the spirit of professional generosity; colleagues are empowered to be themselves and to be their best. At CLP, everyone is welcome and encouraged to achieve and be heard.

About Us

Heatherlands Primary School is a full, popular & successful school rated ‘good’ at last inspection. With a broad and varied curriculum, active community engagement and forest school provision this school really does focus on providing a wide range of opportunities to its children so that they are confident, compassionate, respectful and resilient – and well prepared for their future education and lives.

The school is part of Coastal Learning Partnership; a vibrant, collaborative Trust of twenty schools working together around shared goals, values and aspirations.