SEN Teaching Assistant (two posts) at St James CE First School and Nursery

The Heath Academy Trust and St James’ CE First and Nursery School are excited to be looking to appoint two energetic, enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistants:

Post 1:

Will be working to support a pupil in Early Years.  Under the direction of the Early Years lead and SENDCo you will be providing one to one support for a pupil with additional needs, working both in the classroom environment and within an individualised workspace.  This post will involve intimate care and would be suitable for somebody who has experience working with children on the autistic spectrum.

Your role will be required for 30 hours per week, term-time only, Monday to Friday.  Hours will be set at 9.00am to 3.30pm. This is a fixed term contract, starting with immediate effect until 31 August 2027; possibly with the option to extend.

The successful applicant for this role will ideally have a level 3 childcare qualification and will have experience of working with younger children and those who need additional academic, emotional and communication support.  Training support will be provided for the right candidate to build knowledge of ASD and communication techniques.  

Post 2:

Will be working to support the provision in Key Stage 2. Under the direction of the Class Teacher and SENDCo you will be providing support for two pupils who need support accessing their classroom learning.  You will be working both in the classroom environment and at times within an individualised workspace.

Your role will be required for 12 hours per week, term-time only, to cover sessions Monday to Thursday. Hours will be set at 9.00am to 12.00pm. This is a fixed term contract, starting with immediate effect until 31 August 2027; possibly with the option to extend.

The successful applicant for this role will ideally have a level 3 childcare qualification and will have experience of working with children and those who need additional academic and emotional support.  Training support will be provided for the right candidate to build knowledge of processing and adaptation of learning techniques.  

For both posts, we will consider all applicants with appropriate skills, passion and commitment for this important role.  The successful applicants should want to play a full part in the life of the school as part of a friendly and dedicated team, who are committed to high standards.

At St James' CE First School and Nursery we aim to ensure that our children are able to flourish and develop both as individuals and as responsible community citizens. We pride ourselves on offering a happy, safe and unique school experience for every child.

St James’ CE First and Nursery School can offer you:

• The chance to work in a small, friendly first school and nursery, set in a beautiful location
• The opportunity to progress your career in teaching and learning
• The opportunity to work with a committed and experienced team, being supportive to the aims and ethos of our Church of England School and the wider Multi Academy Trust

Further details about this role can be found on the job description and person specification included in this recruitment pack and more information about the school can be found on our website: www.alderholt.dorset.sch.uk.  Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.  Please contact our school office on 01425 653063 to arrange your visit or discuss the post further.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all applications must be completed via the online application form.  CVs will not be accepted or considered.  References will be sought for all candidates who accept the invitation to interview.  Please ensure referees are able to provide a full reference rather than a standard statement of employment time.  You should provide the email and telephone contact details for all referees – thank you.

The Heath Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. As part of the safer recruitment check, online searches will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates. The search will be purely based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. All aspects of social media and internet searches will be conducted. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website

St James' CE First School and Nursery aims to serve our community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. We encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promote Christian values through the experience our school offers to all its pupils.

At the heart of our school, we believe that everyone should be enabled to be the very best that they can be. We are committed to being a thriving village school and nursery; providing a solid foundation from which to build on, where all in our community are valued, respected and cared for. Through the creation of positive, life-long habits we send life-long learners into the wider world with the skills, confidence and drive that they need to flourish.

We aim to ensure that our children are able to flourish and develop both as individuals and as responsible community citizens. We pride ourselves on offering a happy, safe and unique school experience for every child.

We offer high-quality care and education starting in our Nursery from age 2 through to age 9. Our school benefits from large open plan classrooms, plenty of outdoor learning space, including our forest school which we use to enhance, support and facilitate our children’s learning. We follow a creative, child-led curriculum and whilst our children excel at Maths and English, we are careful to balance this with an interactive, innovative and fun approach to all subjects covered.

The staff and children promote these values through our school vision:

Make Great Choices. Be Our Best.
Respect, Peace, Friendship, Hope, Kindness, Trust