Teaching Assistant
| Work Location: | St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy, Bournemouth |
| Salary (per year): | Range: NJC scale point 4-6. |
| FTE salary: £25,185 - £25,989 | |
| Pro-rata (actual) salary: £18,616 – £19,211 | |
| Working hours: | 32.5 hours a week (08:20 am – 3:20 pm) |
| Weeks per year: | Term time only plus inset days (39 weeks per year) |
| Contract Type: | Fixed term until Wed 21st July 2026 |
| Closing Date: | Midnight Sun 25th January 2026 |
| Interview Date: | w/b 26th January 2026 |
| Job Start Date: | Feb 2026 (tbc) |
We have a vacancy in our Teaching Assistant team. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional teaching assistant with aspiration and ambition. This role could include working with vulnerable children on a 1 to 1 basis and supporting them to access the curriculum. It will include preparing resources and assisting teachers in the day-to-day management of the classroom. Experience of working with SEN pupils and excellent behaviour management skills are desirable.
You will have a positive attitude of self-improvement and a commitment to work alongside colleagues to share best practice, learn, reflect and improve. We are looking for a professional with a strong vocational commitment to improve the life chances of our children with exciting and engaging teaching, learning and lunchtime experiences. Does this sound like you?
A successful candidate will be:
- Passionate about making learning and lunchtime experiences exciting and memorable
- Determined to ensure that all children have the opportunity to make good progress and will exceed national standards
- A reflective practitioner who is always open to new initiatives
- A team player who is highly motivated and enthusiastic
- Prepared to take an active part in the wider life of the school, willing to add something extra to the school community by sharing their talents
- Able to demonstrate knowledge of our academy in their application and indicate how they believe they could contribute to developing our community and the opportunities for our children
- Empathetic and able to support and promote our Christian ethos and values
- Shows enthusiasm, is proactive, self-motivated and able to use initiative
- Commits to team work and has excellent interpersonal skills
- Is organised, efficient, professional and adaptable
- Is caring, understanding and patient with a good sense of humour
- Someone who lives life with a smile!
SEN Specific Experience (Desirable):
- Has experience of using a total communication approach, including PECs, PIEC D, sign along
- Has experience of caring for children with physical needs who require physio support and intimate care
- Understands child development and attachment theory in relation to challenging behaviour
- Establishes positive, supportive and clear relationships with children, parents and staff
- Has a commitment to inclusion in a mainstream setting