Teaching Assistants

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to support young learners, particularly those with special educational needs. The role offers a full-time position with a friendly team environment, focusing on providing a bespoke curriculum to help students achieve their potential. Candidates should be enthusiastic and creative individuals who are committed to assisting young people in their education and development.

Benefits

£13.20 per hour

Contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid learning and development opportunities

Employee benefits on shopping and leisure

Generous referral scheme

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in education, capable of supporting young learners with special educational needs.
• Experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support young learners with complex social and communication difficulties.
• Contribute to developing independent living skills and real-life learning.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Self-motivated

Creative

Flexible

Job description

We are pleased to announce that due to continued success and growth, we currently have exciting opportunities here at Potens for Teaching Assistants to join our small, and friendly team. Closing date: 04/03/2026 - may be closed sooner if suitable applicants are found before this date.

Arbour House is an independent school with split sites – Lower and Upper, based in Weymouth and Dorchester for young people aged 6 to 18 with complex social and communication difficulties and in particular autism. We provide a bespoke curriculum with a particular focus on developing independent living skills and real‑life learning. We aim to support our pupils to achieve their full potential, contribute to their communities, gain meaningful employment, or progress to further education.

We have positions available at both our Weymouth and Dorchester sites. As part of our application process, you will be required to complete an application form. This can be found in the attachments. Once you have completed the application form, please return it to [email protected] Arbour House has been rated overall ‘Outstanding’ in our June 2025 Ofsted Inspection. Further information about the school, including a copy of our last Inspection Report and a School Prospectus, is available on the school website: http://potens-uk.com/young-people/education/welcome-to-our-school/

What We’ll Give You

• £13.20 per hour
• Full‑time 37 hours per week, working 39 weeks per year
• Contributory pension scheme
• Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7
• Paid comprehensive learning and development opportunities, including internal leadership competency sessions and recognised qualifications
• Access to attractive and exclusive employee benefits including savings on shopping, leisure, and household expenses
• A generous referral scheme
• A small family‑feel environment, supportive and dynamic team approach, and a high staff‑to‑pupil ratio to ensure innovative, bespoke educational provision

Who You Are

• Enthusiastic, self‑motivated, creative, and flexible individuals with a genuine interest in education, capable of supporting young learners with SEN to achieve and be the best they can be.
• Experience preferred but not essential.

About Us

Who we are: We are a national provider of health, social and education services with over 35 years’ experience. Our employees are the driving force behind the fantastic care and support delivered to hundreds of adults and children across the UK. We work hard to empower the people we support to have a voice, achieve their goals, and change their lives. We are always looking for committed, pro‑active and passionate people to join us and create even more opportunities for the people we support.

Safeguarding

Potens is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people within our education facilities. All applicants will be subject to robust safeguarding checks prior to appointment, including enhanced DBS, a minimum of two satisfactory and verified references, and online profile checks. These checks are service and role specific and can be discussed prior to application if required.

Diversity

We champion diversity and understand the importance of our teams representing the communities we serve. Here at Potens, you’ll find an inclusive environment where you can be yourself and where everyone is driven by the same purpose – helping people live independently, healthier, happier lives and making our workplace welcoming and supported for all.