Teaching Assistant at Sherborne Primary School

Dorset Council; Sherborne; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant for Sherborne Primary School. The role supports teachers, assists with learning activities, and helps pupils develop confidence and independence in a warm, inclusive setting.

The post offers permanent, part-time hours (27.08 per week) during term time with inset days, salary £16,106–£16,361 per annum, and opportunities for progression to Senior Teaching Assistant for suitable candidates.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children.
• Strong communication with pupils and staff.
• Ability to support learning in varied groups.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom activities with teachers.
• Provide one-to-one and small group assistance for students, including those with additional needs.
• Create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment.
• Assist in preparing learning materials and resources.
• Help students build confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Job description

About the role

Teaching Assistant

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and an appointment may be made before the closing date, therefore an early application is encouraged.

Salary: Grade 5, Point 5 -6: £16,106 - £16,361 per annum (subject to experience) 2026 pay award pending *

*The salary quoted reflects the annual salary for the position at the time of advertising. Payment will be made in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment, and again if employment ends partway through the school year, to ensure the correct salary is paid for work completed during the academic year.

Contract:Permanent, 27.08 hours (27 hours, 5 minutes) per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)

Are you passionate about supporting young people in their education and personal development? We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team at Sherborne Primary School, a vibrant and inclusive school committed to helping every student achieve their full potential.

For candidates with appropriate previous or relevant experience, there may be the opportunity to be appointed as a Senior Teaching Assistant (Grade 7). If this is of interest to you, please make this clear within your application.

The role will include:

• Work closely with teachers to support classroom activities and learning objectives.
• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students, including those with additional needs.
• Help to create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Assist in the preparation of learning materials and classroom resources.
• Support students in developing confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for working with children
• Is patient, caring, and enthusiastic
• Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils and staff
• Has good communication and organisational skills

Further Information

Should you wish to arrange a visit to view the school, please do not hesitate to contact the school office via [e-mail] or on 01935 812619.

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, 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 be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification, and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.