Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant (Resource Base)
Parley First School, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8QE19 days remaining to apply
Job start date
2 November 2026
Closing date
13 October 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
24 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 1
Working pattern
- Part time: 31.25 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Contract type
- Fixed term - Until 31st August 2028
Full time equivalent salary
- £26,427 - £26,846 per annum
Actual salary
- £18,586 - £18,634 per annum
What skills and experience we're looking for
Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant (Resource Base) – Parley First School
£26,427 - £26,846 per annum (actual salary for part-time, term-time working £18,586 - £18,634)
31.25 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Fixed term contract ending 31st August 2028, Term time only, to start November 2026
Do you believe that the right support, at the right moment, can help a child feel safe, understood, and ready to learn? Do you want a role where progress may look different for every pupil - but every step forward truly matters? If so, Parley First School would love to hear from you.
We are looking for a Specialist Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team in The Pod, our Specialist Resource Base. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional and often complex needs, including autism, speech and language needs, and school-based anxiety.
At Parley, Specialist Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping pupils feel secure, valued, and capable. You will support children both emotionally and academically, often working closely with individuals or small groups to help them access learning and develop independence.
What you’ll do:
Work closely with the Specialist Teacher to deliver personalised learning programmes for pupils with EHCPs and additional needs
Support pupils one-to-one and in small groups, helping them engage with learning and develop key life skills
Use a calm, relational approach to help pupils regulate their emotions and feel safe
Promote independence, confidence, and self-esteem in every child
Monitor progress and share insights with teachers to support next steps in learning
Provide personal care when required, ensuring dignity, safety, and compassion at all times
Who you are:
A patient, empathetic, and resilient individual who understands the importance of relationships
Experience of working with children, particularly those with additional needs, is essential.
Someone who can remain calm under pressure and respond sensitively to pupils’ needs
A strong communicator who works well as part of a team and with families
Flexible, positive, and able to adapt to the varied demands of a specialist setting
Committed to supporting children with SEND and helping them achieve their individual goals
What the school offers its staff
About us:
Parley First School is a welcoming, inclusive primary academy where children aged 4–9 learn, grow, and are supported to fulfil their potential in a happy, safe environment. We pride ourselves on nurturing respectful, confident learners and have strong inclusive values, celebrating diversity and ensuring every child feels valued and supported, including those with additional needs.
Set in extensive grounds with playgrounds, gardens and outdoor spaces, we strive to make education engaging and enjoyable for all, with caring staff, strong community links and a shared commitment to helping every pupil thrive and be ready for their next steps.
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”.
Further information about the job
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.
Closing date: 13th October 2026
Interview date: 20th October 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.
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 Parley First School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 4 to 9
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 313 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 9
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Parley First School website
- Email address
- recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com
Arranging a visit to Parley First School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com.
School location
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