Special Needs Teaching Assistant

GSL Education; Poole; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education in Poole is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support children with special needs. The role focuses on pupils with autism and complex needs, working with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to enable learning, independence, and wellbeing.

Experience in SEN, care, or behavioural support is valued. DBS checks are mandatory, and proximity to Poole is preferred for on-site work. Start ASAP in September, full-time hours 8:45am–3:45pm, five days a week.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people with autism or SEN is desirable.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Right to work in the UK and up-to-date CV with two references from within the last 2 years.
• Enhanced DBS or willingness to apply for one with DBS update service.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex needs.
• Support pupils with communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
• Assist in implementing EHCP targets, behaviour plans, and individual support strategies.
• Help create a calm, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals.
• Promote pupils' independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and school policies at all times.

Skills

Autism support

SEN

Care

Behavioural support

Job description

Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Location:Branksome - BH13
Salary:£14.24

Start Date:September
Contract Type:Full-Time

Hours: 8.45am to 3.45pm - 5 days per week

Are you a patient, compassionate, and dedicated individual passionate about supporting children withSpecial Needs?GSL Education areseeking a committedTeaching Assistantto join a welcoming and inclusive school community inPoole, startingASAP in September

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils with severe and complex needs, includingcommunication difficulties, sensory processing challenges, physical disabilities, mobility issues, complex needs and other associated needs. You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and feel confident within the school environment. This role is ideal for individuals with experience inautism support, SEN, care, or behavioural support.

DUE TO THE AGE RANGE ON SITE ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE HAPPY TO OBTAIN A CHILD AND ADULT WORKFORCE DBS. THIS IS NON NEGOTIABLE AS IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE ROLE.

Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex needs.


• Support pupils with communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.


• Assist in implementing EHCP targets, behaviour plans, and individual support strategies.


• Help create a calm, structured, and inclusive learning environment.


• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals.


• Promote pupils' independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.


• Follow care plans, safeguarding procedures, and school policies at all times.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with autism or SEN is desirable.


• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• A positive, flexible, and proactive attitude.

To work with GSL Education as an Autism Support Worker, you should:

• Have the right to work in the UK.


• Have an up-to-date CV withtwo relevant referencesfrom within the last 2 years.


• Have an enhancedDBS registered to the update serviceor be willing to apply for one with GSL Education.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.