ShaftesburyGroupUK
Senior Teaching Assistant
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Senior Teaching Assistant
Exceptional Support Staff Required – Shaftesbury Special Needs Education
About the Charity
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational, and rehabilitation services. This includes:
- Residential care, nursing, and supported living support
- Specialist education through:
- Shaftesbury Victoria School (ages 3–19)
- Shaftesbury Millie College (ages 16–25)
- Shaftesbury Nash College (ages 16–25)
All programmes cater to students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some with profound and complex learning needs.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Teaching Assistant to support classroom learning independently under the guidance of a teacher. The role entails:
- Co-planning and preparing lessons with staff
- Delivering curriculum activities (individual/group/whole-class) in the teacher’s absence
- Assessing pupil progress via monitoring, recording, and reporting individual growth
- Maintaining a safe, structured and meaningful learning environment for students with special needs
This opportunity allows you to create life-changing learning experiences for pupils who need extra support.
Key Requirements
The ideal candidate is:
- Self-motivated, empathetic, and passionate about supporting students with special needs
- Calm, adaptable, and practical, with strong leadership skills
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks effectively
- Committed, flexible, and dedicated to inclusivity and high quality care
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Key Responsibilities
Core Duties
- Lead in organising and managing a safe, functional learning environment
- Provide individual teaching support in line with secondary teacher’s direction
- Supervise classes alone (including delivering lessons, assemblies, and covering in emergencies)
- Collaborate with teachers to plan weekly schedules by:
- Reviewing student plots/lists and EHCP objectives
- Adjusting for appointments, staffing levels, and parent feedback
- Ensuring alignment of learning with individual development plans
(Full detailed tasks reference the job description.)
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- Diploma Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning (or equivalent, e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Education) or willingness to achieve this within 1 year of appointment
- Level 1, 2, or equivalent qualifications in English, Maths, and ICT, or willingness to achieve
- Qualified First Aider + Lifeguard (or commitment to achieve both within 6 months of starting)
- Current valid Moving & Handling certificate
What You’ll Enjoy
✅ Make a direct, meaningful difference to students’ learning and well-being ✅ Join a supportive, inclusive team of professionals who champion disability education ✅ Work with a diverse range of students with varying abilities and needs
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Safeguarding & Legal Compliance
⚠ This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Shaftesbury Education prioritises safeguarding and welfare:
- All staff must adhere to safeguarding policies
- Enhanced DBS checks and rigorous safer recruitment processes are mandatory
Equality & Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Post holders must uphold our:
- Equality & Diversity policy
- Code of conduct (ensuring high standards of behaviour towards peers, staff, and service users)
Application Process
📩 Job Description & Application Form available upon request: hmalt@victoria.poole.sch.uk
🗓 Closing Date: 09.07.26 (Early applications encouraged – we may close early if a strong candidate is found.)
🗺 Interview Dates: To be confirmed (arrangements welcome by prior request)
Shaftesbury believes exceptional staff change exceptional lives. Apply today if you’re ready to play a vital role in special education.
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