SEND 1-1 Teaching Assistant
Ferndown First School, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9FB21 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
2 November 2026 at 9am
Date listed
12 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Part time: 32.5 hours per week, 8.15am – 3.15pm Monday - Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £26,427 - £27,274 per annum
Actual salary
- £19,865 - £20,502 actual salary for part-time, term-time working
What skills and experience we're looking for
SEND 1-1 Teaching Assistant – Ferndown First School
£26,427 - £27,274 per annum (actual salary for part-time, term-time working £19,865 - £20,502)
32.5 hours per week, 8.15am – 3.15pm Monday - Friday
Permanent contract, Term time only
Do you believe that the right support, encouragement and understanding can help a child overcome barriers, build confidence, and thrive in school? Do you want a role where every breakthrough matters, every step forward is celebrated, and your impact can be felt every single day? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping pupils with additional and often complex needs feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting pupils with a range of SEND needs, including those with EHCPs. Working closely with teachers, the SENCO and families, you will help children access learning, develop independence and build the confidence they need to succeed both in school and beyond.
What you'll do:
Support pupils individually and in small groups, helping them engage with learning and achieve their individual goals.
Deliver planned learning activities and personalised support programmes alongside the teacher and SENCO.
Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, valued and understood.
Use a calm, consistent and relational approach to support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
Encourage independence, resilience, confidence and self-esteem in every pupil.
Monitor progress and share observations to support effective planning and next steps in learning.
Support pupils with personal care needs where required, always maintaining dignity, respect and compassion.
Who you are:
A patient, caring and resilient individual who understands the importance of strong relationships.
Experienced in working with children, particularly those with SEND and additional learning needs.
Someone who can remain calm under pressure and adapt to meet the changing needs of pupils.
A positive team player with excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
Committed to inclusive practice and helping every child feel a sense of belonging.
Passionate about helping children develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
What the school offers its staff
About us:
Ferndown First School is a friendly, nurturing and community‑minded school serving children from Reception to Year 4. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, caring and inspiring environment where every child is known, supported and encouraged to thrive. With well‑resourced learning spaces, dedicated staff and a strong commitment to high‑quality education and care, we work closely with families to make school life happy, inclusive and full of opportunity. If you want a role where your positivity, teamwork and commitment truly matter, we’d be delighted to welcome you to our community.
What we can offer
The chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, celebrating every small step and shared success along the way.
It’s a job with heart - we’re not just about learning outcomes, we’re about building confidence, nurturing wellbeing, and helping children believe in themselves.
You’ll be part of a supportive, down-to-earth team who genuinely have your back through the great days, the tricky days, and the “you won’t believe what just happened” moments.
A comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing professional development package - because we’re committed to helping you grow, learn, and thrive in your role.
Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme.
The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust - a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”.
If you’re looking for a role that is as challenging as it is meaningful - where every day brings opportunities to make a genuine difference - this could be the right place for you.
Further information about the job
Closing date: 2nd November 2026
Interview date: 11th November 2026
Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.
Become part of our journey by completing our Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply (please see Job Description, and Safeguarding Children Policy for further information). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Isabel at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.
If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Ferndown First School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 4 to 9
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 348 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 9
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com
Ferndown First School is part of the Southern Education Trust. We are a Yr R to Yr 4 First School with 360 pupils on roll.
Arranging a visit to Ferndown First School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com.
School location
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