Teaching Assistant at Kingfisher School

Dorset Council; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a warm, committed Teaching Assistant to support learners with varied needs in our specialist school. You will work closely with teachers to bring learning to life, both inside and outside the classroom, and help students achieve tangible progress while nurturing wellbeing and safety.

The role emphasizes strong communication, consistency, and collaboration with families and colleagues to create a supportive community where every young person can thrive.

Qualifications

• Calm, consistent and emotionally intelligent demeanor.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to putting learners at the heart of decisions.
• Experience with children and young people with SEND (EYFS/primary/secondary).
• Passion for safe, supportive learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Be the consistent presence shaping futures and wellbeing of learners.
• Assist teachers to make learning accessible and engaging inside and outside the classroom.
• Build positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Contribute to safeguarding and welfare of every learner.
• Share observations with the team to help tailor support to individuals.

Skills

Calm

Emotional intelligence

Team player

Excellent communicator

Job description

About the role

Do you believe education can change lives?

Do you support learning with heart, humour, and high expectations?
Do you see the child behind the behaviour and provide the bridge they need to succeed?
If so, we would love to meet you.

We are seeking a warm, committed, and inspirationalTeaching Assistant

You will:

• Change Lives Daily:You will be the consistent presence that shapes the futures and wellbeing of young people, providing the hands-on support they need to thrive.
• Bring Learning to Life:Work alongside teachers to make education accessible and engaging both inside and outside the classroom, helping learners achieve tangible wins within their community.
• Build Relationships:Act as a key link between the school and our learners, cultivating the deep, positive relationships with families and colleagues that form our supportive community.
• Prioritise Safeguarding:Play a vital role in the safeguarding and welfare of every learner, acting as a vigilant advocate to ensure a secure and protective environment is always maintained.
• Be a Valued Voice:Contribute your unique insights to a team where your observations are essential, ensuring every decision puts the individual needs of the learner first.

This is a role for someone who understands thatbehaviour is communication, and that progress sometimes looks like trust, regulation, and smiles before data.

Further Information

We are looking for someone who is:

• Calm, consistent, and emotionally intelligent
• Adaptable and solution-focused in their approach
• Committed to putting learners at the heart of every decision
• An excellent communicator and supportive team member
• Experienced in working with children and young people with SEND (or keen to develop in this area) with EYFS, primary or secondary experience
• Passionate about creating environments where young people feel safe, heard, and empowered

About Us

About Us

Our specialist school is a calm, nurturing, and joyful place where learners with neurodiversity and SEMH are supported to feel safe, understood, and successful.

We believe:

• Small classes create big change
• Relationships come before results
• Every young person deserves a champion, to feel safe and have hope

Our school is filled with laughter, creativity, friendships, and a quirky, passionate team who show up every day to transform lives.

What We Offer

• Small class sizes and individualised learning
• A genuinely happy, supportive, and fun working environment
• Space to innovate, lead, and make real impact
• A school culture that prioritises staff wellbeing as much as student wellbeing
• The chance to do work that truly matters – every single day

Safer Recruitment Statement

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and provide two satisfactory references, one of which must be from their most recent employer.