Teaching Assistant: Wyvern Academy

Dorset Council; Weymouth; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyvern Academy, part of Southern Education Trust, is hiring a Teaching Assistant. The role supports pupils with learning difficulties and related needs, working across day-to-day activities within a nurturing environment.

The position is permanent, 30.75 hours per week, with term-time hours and pro rata salary for part-time staff. Wyvern Academy emphasizes safeguarding and collaborative teamwork with teachers and therapists.

Qualifications

• Care and compassion for young people.
• Ability to stay patient.
• Remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to learn and grow in role.
• Experience with children is helpful, but not essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support learning one-to-one and in small groups.
• Help pupils develop communication, confidence and independence.
• Support children and young people to manage emotions and sensory needs.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where pupils can learn and grow.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and colleagues to deliver personalised support.
• Provide personal care with dignity and respect, supported by training.
• Celebrate progress, from small steps to breakthroughs.

Skills

Patience

Calm under pressure

Compassion

Resilience

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Job description

About the role

Teaching Assistant – Wyvern Academy

£26,846 - £28,153 per annum, pro rata to £19,093 - £20,023 per annum for part time, term time only working. Permanent

30.75 hours per week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.50am-15.35pm and Weds 8.50am – 16.20pm)

This isn't just support.

It's helping a child find their voice. It's building trust one moment at a time.

It's celebrating achievements that other people might miss. It's staying calm when emotions are big. It's helping a young person discover what they're capable of.

And sometimes, it's witnessing a breakthrough that changes everything.

A first word. A first friendship. A first step towards independence. A first belief that they can. At Wyvern Academy, these moments matter.

Because this isn't just support. It's helping to change a life.

What you'll be doing

At Wyvern Academy, you'll support children and young people with a range of learning difficulties, autism, physical and sensory disabilities, healthcare needs and complex communication needs.

No two days are ever quite the same, but every day brings the opportunity to make a difference.

You'll:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support learning on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Help pupils develop communication, confidence and independence.
• Support children and young people to manage emotions, sensory needs and challenging situations.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel able to learn, grow and succeed.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and colleagues to deliver personalised support.
• Provide personal care with dignity and respect, supported by full training.
• Celebrate progress in all its forms, from the smallest step forward to the biggest breakthrough.

Who we're looking for

We're not looking for someone with all the answers. We're looking for someone who cares.

• Someone who can stay patient when progress takes time.
• Someone who can stay calm when a situation feels challenging.
• Someone who sees potential, not barriers.
• Experience working with children or young people is helpful, but what matters most is your compassion, resilience, positivity and willingness to learn.

If you're someone who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Further Information

It’s not always easy.

Some days will be challenging. Some days won't go to plan. Some days will ask more of you than you expected. But the rewards are real.

A child who trusts you. A young person who achieves something they once thought was impossible. A moment of connection. A breakthrough. A smile. A step forward.

The moments that stay with you long after the school day ends.

If you're looking for a role with purpose, where relationships matter and where the difference you make is felt every single day, then Wyvern Academy could be the place for you.

This isn't just support. It's being part of a child's journey and helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Closing date: 8th November 2026

Interview date: 18th-19th November 2026

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. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms 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.

About Us

About us

Wyvern Academy, part of Southern Education Trust, supports children and young people aged 2-19 with learning difficulties, autism, physical and sensory disabilities and healthcare needs.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and live a fulfilling life. We know that progress looks different for every pupil.

That's why relationships matter here. Patience matters here. Belonging matters here.

And every step forward matters here.

Why join us?

• Comprehensive induction, support and training programme.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A welcoming, supportive and collaborative team.
• Opportunities to develop your career within Wyvern Academy and Southern Education Trust.
• The chance to make a genuine difference every single day.