Senior Teaching Assistant

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff

About Shaftesbury Statement

Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.

Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and two further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3‑19, and the colleges are for students aged 16‑25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.

About The Role

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced candidate to, under the direction of a teacher, take responsibility for delegated learning activities. This involves a contribution to the planning and preparation of lessons; delivering learning activities for individuals/groups or whole classroom without the presence of the teacher; and monitoring pupils by assessing, recording and reporting on their achievements, progress and development. This pivotal role ensures the organisation and management of a safe and purposeful learning environment.

You will be responsible for maintaining a safe environment in order to support meaningful learning experiences for students with special needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference to the lives of our students in helping to provide a variety of daily learning experiences.

The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, empathetic, with a genuine passion for the education of our students. You will need a calm and adaptable approach, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Flexibility and commitment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Take the lead role in co‑ordinating the organisation and management of a safe and purposeful learning environment. Guide the work of the class team to support teaching and learning in the classroom.
• Assume the sole supervision of groups of students within the class, which may include delivering learning abilities, leading class assembles and covering for the whole class in the absence of the teacher.
• Work with the teacher to plan the week’s schedule by reviewing the student’s weekly planners, taking into consideration student appointments and objectives, stall numbers, and parental comments.

Please Refer To The Job Description For Further Details.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning (or equivalent with relevant educational content e.g. NVQ 3 / or relevant Degree), or willingness to achieve within 1 year of appointment.
• Level 1, 2 or equivalent in English, Maths and ICT, or willingness to achieve.
• Qualified first aider and lifeguard (or willingness to achieve within 6 months of appointment).
• Up to date Moving & Handling certificate.

Why Join Us?

What You Will Enjoy

• Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing and education of our students.
• Belong in a passionate and knowledgeable school team in a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Work with students with a myriad of needs and abilities.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

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.

Application Process

Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact hmalt@victoria.poole.sch.uk.

Closing date: 30.04.26

Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.