Teaching Assistant - Woodford Campus

Linwood; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-campus special school in Christchurch is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to support children with special educational needs. The role involves assisting students with personal care tasks and promoting their academic and social development. A commitment to training is required, and previous experience is a plus. Applicants should exhibit resilience and effective communication skills. The school fosters a diverse workforce and values commitment to safeguarding children.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Long Service Awards

After-school training sessions

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with learning difficulties is desirable but not essential.
• Skills in personal care, including toileting and administering medication.
• Commitment to training and development.

Responsibilities

• Support students with special educational needs in various activities.
• Assist with toileting and personal care needs of students.
• Attend after-school training sessions.

Skills

Resilience

Effective communication

Ability to assist with personal care

Experience with special educational needs

Job description

WOODFORD CAMPUS - CHRISTCHURCH

P Salary Band 5 – the salary shown is pro-rated based on a 30-hour working week from the full-time equivalent.

Available hours:

30 hours per week (8.45 a.m.-3.30 p.m.), 39 weeks per year (term time only + inset days).

15 hours per week (11.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m.), 39 weeks per year (term time only + inset days).

Please advise which post you are applying for in your application.

It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We’re excited to welcome new colleagues into our workforce under a refreshed pay, terms and conditions framework which launched on 1st December 2025. To ensure fairness and consistency for everyone, all new appointments will start at the bottom of the pay band. This approach reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the clear rules we’ve applied for existing staff as part of the transition.

Woodford Campus is part of Linwood School, an ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted January 2025) multi-campus, day special school for children and young people aged 4 – 19 years. Woodford Campus, based in Christchurch, welcomes students of a primary age and supports a comprehensive range of special educational needs as well as those on the autism spectrum. We are committed to empowering each child to thrive academically, socially and emotionally within a safe and supportive educational setting.

We are now seeking to appoint highly motivated, committed Teaching Assistants to join our expanding team on a permanent basis. Due to the special educational needs of our students this role can be challenging and sometimes physically demanding, however the work is also very rewarding. Resilience is a key personal quality for the role as is the ability to communicate effectively using a range of tools. Previous experience of working with children and young people with learning difficulties and/or social communication difficulties is desirable but not essential.

Some of our Teaching Assistants work with students with PMLD who require high levels of care including but not limited to:

• Toileting and personal care
• Assistance with eating and drinking
• Administering medication

Full training will be provided if needed however if you have the skills and aptitudes outlined above please refer to this in your application form.

The role is subject to a 6-month mandatory probation during which there is an expectation that Teaching Assistants attend Monday after school training sessions to enhance their work in school and their levels. A list of training dates and topics is provided upon commencement.

For further information about our school and the different needs of our students, please refer to our website where you will find information about each of our campuses: www.linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk

In addition to the benefits provided by BCP Council, Linwood School also provides:

• An Employee Assistance Programme to support staff wellbeing.
• After-school training sessions to support staff development.
• Career development.
• Long Service Awards.

Commitment to Diversity

At Linwood School, we take pride in being an equal opportunities employer that champions a diverse workforce. We actively seek and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, recognising that a rich tapestry of experiences enhances our ability to support our diverse student population. Our commitment to diversity not only fosters a sense of belonging but also strengthens the learning environment for everyone involved.

Safeguarding Commitment

Linwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and an overseas criminal record check if they have lived or worked outside the UK in the past 10 years. Employment offers are also subject to satisfactory references, health assessments, and right-to-work checks. All Linwood School staff are expected to adhere to our policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding and child protection, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Guidance for adults working with children and young people in an education setting.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and its amendments. If the role is exempt, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed.