Dorset Council UK
Fixed Term 1:1 Teaching Assistant at Springdale First School
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Fixed Term 1:1 Teaching Assistant (ASD & Attachment Difficulties) – Springdale First School
Location: Springdale First School, Broadstone, Poole
Contract: Fixed term (until 31st August 2027), 30.84 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year including INSET days).
Salary: Actual: £18,862 – £19,161 per annum Full-time equivalent: £26,427 – £26,846 per annum
Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Interview Date: 16 July 2026
Start Date: 1 September 2026
About Springdale First School
Springdale First School is an ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted, October 2024) establishment based in a beautiful setting within Broadstone, Poole. As a two-form entry school, we educate children from Reception to Year 4 (ages 4+ to 9+).
At Springdale, we prioritise a child-centred, caring ethos with high aspirations. Our motto—"Imagine, Believe, Achieve"—reflects our dedication to fostering creativity, self-belief, and ambition in every pupil. We emphasise:
- Developing confidence and independence in learning.
- Creating a safe, inclusive environment that prepares children for future success.
We pride ourselves on a collaborative team of professionals. Our staff, governors, and children work together to ensure every learner thrives, benefiting from personalised support and enriching opportunities.
Springdale is part of Hamwic Education Trust (HET), the Hillary Partnership’s multi-academy trust (MAT), comprising 37 schools across Portsmouth, Southampton, Poole, and Dorset.
Role Summary
Springdale First School is recruiting for a fixed-term 1:1 Teaching Assistant, with specialised key experience in supporting pupils with:
- Primary diagnoses of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attachment difficulties
You’ll join our dedicated team to deliver highly tailored, creative learning experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This fixed-term contract focuses on meeting the 1:1 needs of a named pupil, expected to continue until 31 August 2027 (potential to end earlier with due notice).
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
The successful Teaching Assistant will demonstrate:
1. Understanding & Emotional Support
✅ Deep expertise in working with pupils diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or attachment issues. ✅ Awareness of triggers for ASD pupils and strategies for self-regulation. ✅ Knowledge of PEIC-D (preferred if held). ✅ Ability to respond sensitively to complex behavioural and emotional needs.
2. Delivery & Collaboration
🏆 Strong ability to:
- Adapt times and resources to meet individual learning needs.
- Participate in shared planning sessions with teachers.
- Plan and lead practical sessions in association with the pupil’s learning.
- Support pupils during regular off-site trips (routinely).
👨👩👧👦 Contribute to developing life skills, such as handling money and shopping routines.
3. Behaviour & Professionalism
🛡 Calm and responsive to challenging behaviour, adhering to school policies. 📚 Maintains high behavioural expectations for social interaction and learning. 📝 Accurate record-keeping of progress, behaviour, and developmental milestones.
4. Engagement & Organisational Skills
🔄 Self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to multi-task. 📢 Strong interpersonal and communication skills, enhancing interactions with parents and families.
Requirements
Essentials:
🔹 Significant experience supporting pupils with ASD/attachment issues. 🔹 Proven history of individualised learning support working closely with special needs coordinators. 🔹 Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with children.
Nice-to-Have (but Not Mandatory):
👍 Knowledge of PEIC-D framework. 🎓 Any qualifications in special educational needs (SEN) or equivalent preferred but not required.
What We Offer You
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
🔹Part of a dynamically growing trust committed to exceptional professional development. 🔹 Eligibility for Local Government/Teacher Pension Scheme. 🔹 Flexible working where possible. 🔹 20+ days holiday (increasing with tenure), plus festival and INSET days. 🔹 Employee Assistance Programme, combining:
- Free confidential counselling (including for family members).
- Financial wellbeing support including mortgage guidance. 🔹 Blue Light Discount Card. 🔹 Access to Lifestyle Savings benefits (e.g. discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and subscripions).
🔹Recommended career growth through workshops, leadership opportunities, and internal promotions.
About Hamwic Education Trust (HET)
HET is fully committed to advancing teachers and support staff. Our mission: ✔ To foster an inclusive environment where everyone achieves their full potential. ✔ To encourage continuous professional development through mentorship and opportunities.
Our approach prioritises value for differences in staff, delivering unparalleled education while safeguarding learners underpinned by:
- Robust Safer Recruitment principles.
- In-depth background checks and HR policies.
Application Procedure
If interested, please:
✅ Discuss the role informally with Tamsin Sandford via hr@springdale.poole.sch.uk.
✅ Complete the application form and submit via hr@springdale.poole.sch.uk.
⚠ No CVs accepted standalone; only an application form in conjunction with ID is processed.
✏ Applications may be closed before 13 July if sufficient talent is identified early.
Safeguarding Commitment
All roles are subject to a robust Safer Recruitment Process, including:
- Enhanced DBS checks.
- Written references and résumé scrutiny.
- Verification through online and identity checks.
Successful candidates must adhere to HET’s strict safeguarding policies. Future support involves regular training for compliance.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills