TEACHING ASSISTANT - Westfield Arts College

Dorset Council UK; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Arts College in Weymouth seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. You will be flexible and able to work across the school as required, assisting with personal care and health needs as part of the role.

This permanent role is term-time only, 31.65 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:40 - 15:30). A supportive team and opportunities for professional development within Dorset’s educational settings

Qualifications

• Be passionate about helping young people develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.
• Have some experience and/or training to support children of all ages with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Use therapeutic approaches to understand and support behaviour, fostering resilience and personal development.
• Have good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and relational skills with children, young people, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
• Be flexible and able to work across the school as required.
• Assist with personal care and health needs as part of the role.

Skills

SEN support

Therapeutic approaches

Effective communication

Literacy & numeracy

Flexible / adaptable

Job description

XS 10.4 Dorset Grade 6 SCP 6 - 9

31.65 hours per week - Monday to Friday (8.40 - 3.30)

Permanent - Term Time Only

We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team and support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. All our teaching assistants are expected to be flexible and able to work across the school as required. Supporting the personal care and health needs of our children and young people is an equally important part of the role.

Westfield Arts College

Teaching Assistant

XS 10.4 Dorset Grade 6 SCP 6 - 9

31.65 hours per week - Monday to Friday (8.40 - 3.30)

Permanent - Term Time Only

We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team and support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. All our teaching assistants are expected to be flexible and able to work across the school as required. Supporting the personal care and health needs of our children and young people is an equally important part of the role.

The right person will

• Be passionate about helping young people develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.
• Have some experience and/or training to support children of all ages with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Use therapeutic approaches to understand and support behaviour, fostering resilience and personal development.
• Have good literacy and numeracy skills
• Demonstrate excellent communication and relational skills with children, young people, families and colleagues.
• Be creative, reflective adaptable and draw on a range of skills to meet diverse needs.
• Be committed to ongoing professional development and to contributing positively to Westfield’s ambitious Broadening Horizons curriculum.

Further Information

Why Join Us?

• A highly supportive and collaborative staff team that values therapeutic practice and emotional wellbeing.
• Ongoing training and development in Therapeutic Thinking, communication approaches and SEND pedagogy.
• Excellent facilities, beautiful grounds and welcoming learning environment
• A school community that celebrates progress in all its forms - academic, social and emotional.
• A real opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of extraordinary young people.

About Us

Westfield is a highly regarded 4-19, 230 pupil Dorset special school. All pupils have significant learning difficulties, some with additional complex needs. The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant and successful school. They will also receive the full support of an exceptionally committed and skilful staff team. Ofsted judged us as outstanding in February 2023.

Westfield 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 be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with the Government’s safer recruitment guidelines. We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Further information about Westfield can be found at www.westfield.dorset.sch.uk.

Closing Date:

19 October 2026

Interviews:

3 November 2026

Contact

Julie Rook, Admin Officer (HR)

[e-mail]