Autism Support Assistant - Special Education in Bournemouth

Springwood Campus - West Howe

BCP Salary Band 5 (£20,122-£22,190) - appointments will be made at the starting point of the salary range. The salary shown is pro-rated based on a 30-hour working week from the full-time equivalent.

30 hours per week (8.45 a.m.-3.30 p.m.), 39 weeks per year (term time only + inset days). Consideration will be given to lesser hours per week but we ask that applicants commit to a minimum of 2 full days (12 hours).

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

Springwood 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. Springwood Campus, based in West Howe, is an autism specific day provision, therefore all of our students have a diagnosis of autism and complex needs, as well as moderate to severe learning difficulties. 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 autism is desirable but not essential.

As a Teaching Assistant at Springwood Campus, your main responsibilities would include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students to facilitate their academic and social progress under the direction of the class teacher.
• Create a structured and nurturing environment that promotes student engagement.
• Assist and encourage students to remain on task.
• Offer emotional support, utilising positive behaviour reinforcement techniques via a trauma informed approach.
• Provide personal care plans for pupils and appropriate medical treatment following individual care plans.
• Ensure that students' records are kept up to date and in line with current guidance, under the direction of the class teacher.

Please refer to the job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

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 skill 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

Linwood School offers career progression opportunities for Teaching Assistants wishing to enhance their skills further in an education setting, leading to Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant followed by Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. Some of our Teaching Assistants have progressed to a Teacher.

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

• An Employee Assistance Programme to support staff wellbeing.
• Paid 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.

For any enquiries regarding your application please contact the HR Department on 01202 636811 or email recruitment@linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk