Dorset Council UK
Teaching Assistant - (Compass Learning Centre)
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Teaching Assistant - (Compass Learning Centre)
Teaching Assistant: Permanent
Hours: 32–35 hours per week (negotiable), worked over 5 days
Paid Weeks: Term time including INSET day (~45.05 paid weeks)
Salary:
- Dorset Council Grade 5–6, points 5–9 (depending on experience)
- £20,908 – £22,273 per annum for 35 hours/week (pro-rated) (£25,583 – £27,254 per annum for full-time equivalent, Pay Award Pending)
About the Role
Compass Learning Centre is recruiting two permanent Teaching Assistants to join our Key Stage 3 and 4 team, starting 1 September 2026. Working with young people facing complex needs and challenging behaviours, this role offers a dynamic, supportive environment for those seeking to build teaching expertise or pursue a long-term career in education.
This post is ideal for individuals who thrive in a collaborative setting with a passion for helping vulnerable students develop confidence, independence and mastery of their potential. Small class sizes and individualised support methodologies ensure every student receives tailored attention.
Successful candidates will split time between:
- Direct supervision of students (both in small groups and 1:1)
- Supporting core teaching and behavioural strategies
- Adapting resources and environments for inclusive learning
Assessment prospects: Progression path to Senior Teaching Assistant (Grade 7) for eligible candidates.
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Key Responsibilities
- Classroom support: Assist with group work, individual intervention and differentiated learning for students aged 11–16 years
- Behaviour management: Contribute to positive policy with patience and consistency towards challenging behaviours
- Safeguarding: Actively promote the protection and inclusion of all students while adhering to safeguarding protocols
- Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, SLTs, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve educational goals
- Incident documentation: Record behavioural incidents and specify adaptation plans for students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
- Enrichment activities: Support clubs, extracurricular opportunities, and pastoral activities
Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above, including English and Mathematics
- Experience (professional or voluntary) working with young people preferred
- Knowledge of special needs and behavioural support strategies a strong advantage
- Excellent verbal communication skills—able to engage both learners and adults in a professional manner
- Ability to manage tense or unpredictable classroom scenarios with confidence
- Willingness and ability to establish rapport quickly, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and demonstrate tenacity in supporting progress
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Personal Attributes
Dare to be caring, adaptable, and enterprising in equal measure, thriving in a hands-on, non-office-based environment. Passionate about inclusion and driven by a desire to contribute positively to young people’s futures.
Why Join Us?
- Team culture: Innovative, collaborative approach amongst a wider learning family
- Impact: Work directly with students who need transformative support to take control of their learning
- Development: Path to roles with increased responsibility, meeting the demands of Numaber 1 high-performing alternative provision in the region
- Education environment: ** 94%** of students achieved improved grades at GCSE last year; small class sizes guarantee focus on the individual
- Term-time work: Structured and supportive employment on fair pay/holiday terms (including INSET)
How to Apply
For further details including job description, person specification and ** attachment (Information for Applicants)**, contact:
Michelle Nokes (Head’s Personal Assistant) 📞 01305 206530 ✉ m.nokes@compass.dorset.gov.uk
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 12 July 2026—don’t miss the opportunity to work within our outstanding team!
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