Teaching Assistant

Parley First School, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8QE

28 days remaining to apply

Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
27 February 2026 at 8am
Date listed
29 January 2026

Job details

Job role: Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage: Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern: Full time, part time: 31.25hrs per week (8.30am-3.15pm Monday-Friday), Term time only
Contract type: Fixed term - Until 31st August 2027
Full-time equivalent salary: £25,583 – £25,989
Actual salary: £17,992 – £18,278

What skills and experience we're looking for

Do you believe that a kind word, a patient moment, or a quiet bit of encouragement can change a child’s whole day? Do you want a job where the smiles, breakthroughs, and “I did it!” moments truly matter? If so, Parley First School would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our caring, close-knit team. This role would be ideal for someone with a genuine interest in supporting children of all kinds (including those with SEND) and helping every child feel understood, valued, and capable.

At Parley, Teaching Assistants are at the very heart of what we do. You’ll be there for the small moments that make the biggest difference – calming worries, celebrating progress, and helping children believe in themselves.

What you’ll do:

Support teachers to deliver engaging, inclusive lessons where every child can succeed
Work alongside children in class, in small groups, and sometimes one-to-one
Provide gentle, tailored support for pupils with additional needs
Create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel confident to try
Encourage independence, resilience, and a love of learning
Share in the laughter, creativity, and wonderful unpredictability of school life

Who you are:

A kind-hearted, enthusiastic, and dependable person who truly enjoys being with children
Someone patient, empathetic, and emotionally attuned, with an interest in SEND
Strong communication skills, and good literacy and numeracy
A sense of humour, flexibility, and the ability to see potential in every child
A team player who understands that sometimes the smallest support means the world
No experience? No problem. If you have the right attitude, warmth, and willingness to learn, we’ll support you every step of the way.

What the school offers its staff

Why join us?

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”.

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.

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful – where your care, patience, and compassion truly count – this could be the role for you.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Become part of our journey, by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply. See our Teaching Assistant Job Description for further details on the role and our Safeguarding Children Policy.

Closing date: 27th February 2026

Interview date: 11th March 2026

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.