We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and organised Senior Teaching Assistant to join our education team providing high quality, personalised teaching and support to our students.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a thriving special needs school where you can have a real impact on students’ progress and wellbeing.
You will be responsible for guiding the class team, organising and overseeing management of the teaching space and resources to help maintain a safe and learning environment, and supporting students to access the curriculum.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with a passion for inclusive education. You will need a calm and adaptable approach and be able to assume sole supervision of groups of students, which may include delivering learning activities, leading class assemblies and covering in the absence of the teacher.
Ideally, you will have experience working with children in a special school or educational support setting. Additional knowledge of sensory integration and communication skills, such as, Makaton, would be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
* Contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities, preparing and adapting resources to meet individual needs
* Support classroom teaching, encouraging participation and helping students to access and engage with learning activities
* Monitor and record student progress, contributing to teacher assessments
* Use positive behaviour support strategies in line with the school’s policies and procedures to support a safe learning environment
* Organise and manage classroom resources and teaching space to maintain a safe and engaging learning environment
* Work collaboratively with the class teacher, teaching assistants, therapists, and other professionals to support students’ development
* Cover and lead teaching in the absence of the class teacher
* Guide the class team, directing tasks, where relevant, to support teaching and learning
* Engage with families and carers, under the direction of the class teacher, to support student progress and wellbeing
* Participate in staff meetings, training and school initiatives
* Uphold the values and ethos of the school at all times
Why join us?
* Join a supportive and inclusive school community
* Make a meaningful impact on students’ learning and personal development
* Benefit from continued professional development and training
* Term-time working, to support flexible work-life balance
If you are committed to inclusive education and want to be part of a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.
For further details, including a job description, person specification and application form, please email: VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk
Applications close: 31/10/25 (we reserve the right to close the advert before this date should suitable applications be received).
Interviews: TBC
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please call 01202 763697 or emailVECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk
Shaftesbury Victoria School, part of the disability charity Shaftesbury, is located in Poole, Dorset. The schoolprovides education for children in the primary and secondary age range. Our students have a range of complexphysical and learning needs, including ASC.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and all necessary safeguarding checks in line with statutory guidance.
Equality and Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.