Specialist Teaching Assistant

Location: St Dunstans School

Start Date: ASAP

Closing Date: 2 July 2026

Hours: 32.5 hours per week term time plus 5 inset days (FTC to August 2027)

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Salary: Actual 19005 Grade 2 (SP4-5) (Full time equivalent 25185 - 25583)

This is a temporary position to support a named child the role is funded via an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

We are delighted to be able to advertise the role of Teaching Assistant. This role has been created with a primary focus of supporting a higher needs Year 8 on a 1-1 basis and acting as their key person as well as providing support for other SEND students on occasion.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of our SENDCo teaching staff and school leadership to support students to access the curriculum and make progress as well as to meet individual OT SALT and care needs. This role would be ideal for experienced teaching assistants looking for a new role and challenge. It would also be suitable for someone wishing to try a new role or begin working in education.

The successful candidate should be able to:

• Attend to the pupils personal needs and implement related personal programmes including social health physical hygiene first aid OT SALT and welfare matters as appropriate.
• Provide dedicated 1:1 support tailored to the individual needs of a pupil
• Attend to the pupils personal care needs including hygiene and toileting and implement individual health social and care programmes if required
• Liaise with a range of external professionals and follow their advice to ensure the students needs are met.
• Encourage independence where possible while maintaining a safe structured and nurturing environment.

The successful candidate should also be:

• Hard working and fully committed to the ethos of the school.
• Organised and systematic.
• Willing to undertake a Teaching Assistant Induction programme.
• Committed to inclusion and able to advocate for an inclusive approach with colleagues and students;
• Willing to undertake further ongoing specialist training as required by the needs of the young person;
• Confident and have a basic knowledge of technology i.e. Microsoft Office internet email use of photocopier etc.
• Able to work independently showing initiative.
• Have an ability to relate well to both children and adults.
• Enthusiastic and willing to try new ideas taking responsibility for new initiatives.
• Someone with sky high expectations of students whilst fully appreciating the need to provide encouragement and support to students of all abilities.
• Capable of working with staff from all areas of the school external agencies and partner schools.
• Interested in continuing professional development.
• An individual who is keen to contribute to the wider life of the school and enrichment.

In return we can offer you the opportunity to work with motivated students the full support of a dedicated and committed team of staff a supportive induction programme and ongoing professional development plus the opportunity to work in a developing school in a beautiful area of the South West.

There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is generous annual leave entitlement access to a local government pension scheme sick pay scheme cycle-to-work scheme free eye tests and employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals such as the Blue Light Card offering savings on shopping travel and leisure.

This is an extremely successful inclusive school with a strong reputation in the the most recent Ofsted in February 2024 inspectors praised the strong community ethos and relationships between staff and students based on clear expectations. Inspectors also celebrated our broad and ambitious curriculum the prioritisation of reading and the support that is in place for all students to access the curriculum. (Ofsted Report- Link) Moreover we continue to be very proud of the excellent progress our students make in their GCSE examinations. The school remains one of the highest performing schools in Somerset and is well-regarded by parents and the community.

St Dunstans school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to references and a full Disclosure and Barring Service check. St Dunstans School is an equal opportunities employer. The campus is a no smoking site.

Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.