Teaching Assistant - Shirley Infant School in Southampton

Shirley Infant School is an inclusive three form entry school which has 270 pupils across its 9 classes. It is an energetic community of learners all striving to be their best. The school aims to provide inclusive and integrated learning experiences for all children, and we look to develop the potential of every child. Our aim is: Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. Our staff team are committed to making a real difference to the children in our care. Everything that we do as a school is to ensure that our children enjoy coming to school and are supported to be successful in all areas of school life. We are built on strong values; our children show tremendous care and respect for one another and demonstrate excellent behaviour. Shirley Infant and Shirley Junior school staff teams work closely together to ensure excellent progress and transition from Year R to Year 6. We share curriculum development, themed weeks and events. Children and staff have opportunities to work together across schools.

Role Summary

Shirley Infant School are seeking to appoint a part‑time Teaching Assistant to work Monday – Friday 08:30am – 1:00pm. The successful candidate will work closely with the class teacher to provide support for pupils to engage in their learning in one‑to‑one situations as well as in groups. This role also includes a lunchtime duty to support the emotional and social needs of our children. We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to supporting children's learning, who is ready to join a team of professionals who believe in shaping young minds and building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

The role involves:

• Supporting teaching and learning across the curriculum by working with whole classes, small groups, or individual pupils, including those with specific academic, physical, emotional, or medical needs.
• Building positive, caring relationships with pupils, promoting confidence, independence, and an inclusive school ethos.
• Helping to deliver learning activities, including contributing to Individual Education Plans and adapting resources to support pupils' progress.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, providing feedback to teachers and helping ensure learning targets are met.
• Assisting with wider school responsibilities such as preparing classroom resources, supervising pupils at playtimes, lunchtimes or transitions, and supporting general welfare and first‑aid needs (training provided if required).

We are seeking a professional individual who has GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths, with additional relevant qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2) welcomed. Experience working with young children, with an understanding of how children develop and learn; school‑based experience is desirable. Strong communication skills, a caring approach, and the ability to support pupils with individual learning or behavioural needs. Confidence in using behaviour management strategies appropriate to Early Years and KS1, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Good organisational skills and a flexible, enthusiastic attitude, using their initiative to contribute positively to the school environment. A commitment to ongoing professional development and to promoting the safety and wellbeing. An understanding of school life and the demand and pace of each different day.

What we offer you

• An opportunity to be part of a collaborative managed services team with a shared vision of excellence.
• A real career path in a thriving and respected organisation.
• Flexible working approach, where possible.
• Excellent training and development programmes and opportunities.
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme / Teacher Pension Scheme.
• Access to our benefits portal offering a full range of discounts available through Lifestyle Savings.
• Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, this includes free confidential telephone and face to face counselling for employees and family members.
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related.
• Eligible for a Blue Light card.
• Access to in‑house training to develop your skills.

About Hamwic Education Trust

Hamwic Education Trust (HET) is fully committed to developing an outstanding workforce. We are a friendly and supportive community of professionals working hard to ensure that our schools are enabling children to grow and develop for the future. We have talented staff working in leadership, teaching and support roles throughout our schools and committed professionals working in the Managed Services team covering education, safeguarding, HR, IT, finance and estates. This experienced team supports our schools and is responsible for the successful delivery of our multi‑academy trust. As an employer, we support our staff to grow through continuing professional development and there is a range of apprenticeships and other opportunities available throughout the Trust to extend your knowledge, skills and career prospects. HET celebrates the uniqueness of our pupils, our staff and our schools and we aim for everyone to achieve their full potential through the pathways of opportunities available. HET recognises that by valuing and promoting equal opportunities in employment for all employees and job applicants and avoiding unlawful discrimination in employment and delivery of services, we will be able to deliver first class education and value the differences our workforce brings to HET.

Any other information

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Bree Enemark, Operations Manager, by emailing bree.enemark@shirleyschools.co.uk to arrange an informal chat or have a tour of the school. Potential candidates will be asked to bring their current school ID and/or photographic ID as proof when they visit the school for a tour. If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form which can be found at Job vacancies | Careers | Hamwic Education Trust | Multi‑academy Trust and return to bree.enemark@shirleyschools.co.uk. CVs will only be accepted along with a completed application form. Please note, we may close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we have sufficient applications. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply as soon as possible. Hamwic Education Trust (HET) are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our pupils and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal record and barring checks, scrutiny of work and training history, robust referencing, and other vetting checks. Successful candidates will also be subject to online searches. Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across HET. All HET employees are required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practices and to safeguard our pupils.