Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Ferndown First School £25,614 – £26,106 per annum (full-time equivalent) 5 days per week (32.5hrs), Permanent, £19,254 – £19,624 per annum 3 days per week (19.5hrs), Fixed term to 31st August 2027, £11,552 – £11,774 per annum Please note in your application or supporting email if you are applying for the 5 day or 3 day position, or if willing to be considered for both. 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, Ferndown 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 Ferndown, 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.