Teaching Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction & training

Professional development

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development within SET

Supportive team

Job summary

Ferndown Middle School is seeking a caring Teaching Assistant to support pupils in lessons, build positive relationships and promote independent learning. You will assist pupils with a range of needs, including SEND, and help maintain calm, well-organised learning spaces while working closely with teachers to support routines.

The role requires warmth, patience and a proactive approach in a busy classroom, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and teamwork within a supportive school

Qualifications

• Warmth, patience and positivity in the learning environment.
• Calm, reliable and grounded on busy days.
• Empathetic and encouraging with a desire to help children thrive.
• Confident in supporting learning and using initiative.
• Respectful and discreet with confidentiality.
• Level 2 qualification or working towards it.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above).

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in lessons – individually, in small groups and occasionally with whole classes.
• Build positive relationships, encourage independence and promote consistent, positive behaviour.
• Assist pupils with a range of needs, including SEND.
• Help create calm, well‑organised learning spaces and maintain key records.
• Work closely with teachers to support routines, learning activities and communication.
• Supervise pupils at break/lunch and contribute to a welcoming, supportive school environment.

Skills

Warmth and positivity

Patience

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Discretion

SEND support

Education

Level 2 qualification

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Do you find joy in helping children grow – those quiet, understated moments when confidence builds, independence blossoms and a pupil feels truly seen? Do you enjoy being the steady, reassuring presence that helps classrooms run smoothly and ensures every child feels safe, encouraged and ready to learn?

At Ferndown Middle School, every child is known, valued and supported. Our pupils thrive because of the dedicated adults who nurture, guide and celebrate them each day. We’re a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where kindness and teamwork shape everything we do.

We are looking for a caring, committed and quietly brilliant Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team. If you believe in children, understand the power of encouragement and want your work to have real, human impact, you’ll feel right at home here.

What you’ll do:

• Support pupils in lessons – individually, in small groups and occasionally with whole classes
• Build positive relationships, encourage independence and promote consistent, positive behaviour
• Assist pupils with a range of needs, including SEND
• Help create calm, well‑organised learning spaces and maintain key records
• Work closely with teachers to support routines, learning activities and communication
• Supervise pupils at break/lunch and contribute to a welcoming, supportive school environment
• Be part of the everyday magic that makes learning happen, and make a difference where it matters most

Who you are:

• Someone who brings warmth, patience and positivity into the room
• Calm, reliable and grounded, even on energetic school days
• Empathetic and encouraging, with a genuine desire to help children thrive
• Confident supporting learning and able to use initiative in busy classrooms
• Respectful and discreet, with a strong understanding of confidentiality
• Skilled at supporting a range of needs, including pupils with SEND
• Qualified at Level 2 (or working towards it), with a strong commitment to developing your expertise
• A clear communicator with GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above)
• Someone who values teamwork and enjoys learning and growing professionally
• The kind of person who can find the humour in a day – and share it

What the school offers its staff

• The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
• Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
• We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
• Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
• You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme.
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust – a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”.

Further details about the role

Visits to the School:

If you would like to visit the school, please contact the school office on 01202 876556 or email [e-mail]

Interview date: 9th November 2026

Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we kindly ask all applicants to complete a short, anonymised form alongside their application, linked here.

If you have any questions, please contact Isabel at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.