Overview
Linwood School is an 'Outstanding' (Ofsted January 2025) multi-campus, day special school for children and young people aged 4 - 19. We welcome students from a wide geographical area and support a comprehensive range of special educational needs including moderate (MLD), severe (SLD) and profound (PMLD) and complex learning difficulties (CLDD) as well as those on the Autism spectrum. The school employs approximately 180 Teaching Assistants. We are seeking highly motivated, committed Teaching Assistants to join our expanding team on a permanent basis.
Salary is £17,763 pro rata per annum based on 30 hours per week. For 1 December 2025, the pay range for this role will be £18,922 – £20,509 p.a. (from 1 December 2025). Vacancies are available at various campuses including West Howe, Parkstone, Oakdale and Winton.
The work can be challenging and physically demanding due to the needs of some students, but it is also highly rewarding. Resilience and effective communication using a range of tools are essential.
Responsibilities
* Provide teaching assistance and support to students with a range of special educational needs, including working with students with PMLD who require high levels of care.
* Assist with intimate/personal care, feeding, and medication administration as required.
* Support inclusion, safety, and welfare of students within the classroom and on campus as directed.
* Attend paid after-school training sessions during a six-month probation period to enhance professional skills.
Qualifications and Experience
* Previous experience of working with children and young people with learning difficulties and/or social communication difficulties is desirable but not essential.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
* Resilience and a willingness to take on physically demanding tasks when necessary.
Contract and Hours
* Positions are for 30 hours per week, worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 39 weeks per year (term time plus INSET days).
* Consideration will be given to lesser hours per week, with a minimum commitment of 2 full days (12 hours).
Probation and Training
The role is subject to a 6-month mandatory probation during which there is an expectation to attend paid Monday after-school training sessions. A list of training dates and topics is provided on commencement.
Career Progression
Linwood School offers career progression opportunities for Teaching Assistants, including progression to Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant and then Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. Some staff have progressed to Teacher levels.
Benefits
* An Employee Assistance Programme to support staff wellbeing, including free counselling sessions.
* Paid after-school training sessions to support staff development.
* Career development opportunities.
* Long Service Awards.
Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding
Linwood School is an equal opportunities employer and values a diverse workforce. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and, if worked or lived outside the UK within the past 10 years, an overseas criminal records check. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, health and right-to-work checks.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and related amendments. If the role is exempt, certain spent convictions and cautions may be ‘‘protected’’ and do not need to be disclosed; if disclosed, they may not be taken into account.
All Linwood School staff are expected to adhere to safeguarding policies and Keeping Children Safe in Education and related guidance.
How to Apply
For enquiries regarding your application, please contact the Linwood School HR Department on 01202 636811.
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