Teaching Assistant - ASC Base in Somerset

Employer: St Dunstan's School

Location: Glastonbury, Somerset

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Part Time

Salary: Actual Salary £19,307 to £19,925

Posted: 20th May 2026

Expires: 3rd June 2026 11:59 PM

Start Date: As Soon As Possible

Job ID: 1554401

Job Reference: ARC-052026

Job Purpose

We are delighted to be able to advertise the role of Teaching Assistant in our Autism Resource Centre. The successful candidate will work under the direction of our Head of Centre to support the students with SEND both within the ARC and the classroom. This role would be ideal for an experienced Teaching Assistant, looking for a new role and challenge.

Key Tasks

• Support the teaching and learning processes.
• Support students presenting low/moderate challenges on both a one to one basis and in groups both in the base and the mainstream school setting.
• Support students with ASC including students with a high learning ability (‘gifted/talented’).
• Develop, maintain and apply knowledge and understanding of students’ general and specific learning needs to ensure that support is given to them at an appropriate level.
• Support and direct literacy and numeracy tasks, clarifying and explaining instructions.
• Focus support in areas needing improvement, both academic and social.
• Work with and support students to ensure they can use ICT and other specialist equipment to enhance their learning.
• Motivate and encourage students to concentrate on and fulfil the tasks set.
• Undertake learning activities with students of varying abilities to ensure differentiation and access to the curriculum.
• Seek to ensure the promotion and reinforcement of students’ self-esteem, appropriate levels of effort and behaviour and to guide students to become independent learners.
• Contribute to the assessment of students’ learning, in particular with regard to Literacy, Numeracy, Science and ICT skills.
• Contribute to the implementation of the National and/or Foundation Curriculum and specific individual student targets.
• Assist teaching staff in the development of learning strategies, with the provision of teaching and learning resources and in the preparation and maintenance of a safe, secure and suitable learning environment.
• Assist in the development, monitoring and evaluation of programmes of work.
• Maintain data files, catalogue resources, maintain inventories, photocopy, record TV programmes and use I.T. systems for administration and educational purposes.
• Contribute to and assist in the development and monitoring of systems for review and recording of students’ progress.
• Assist in the preparation, organisation and maintenance of classrooms and their equipment, including assistance with and creation of displays, make basic visual aids, art and craft materials, mount and display students work.
• Assist teachers in timetabling of lessons and curriculum as required.
• Assist in the preparation for educational visits, and where appropriate accompany students.
• Attend and contribute to school staff meetings and in-service training events, within contracted hours or outside normal hours by agreement.

The successful candidate should also be:

• Hard working and fully committed to the ethos of the school.
• Organised and systematic.
• Willing to undertake First Aid training and any other pertinent CPD linked to the role.
• Confident and have a good knowledge of technology i.e. Microsoft Office, internet, email, use of photocopiers etc.
• Able to work independently showing initiative.
• Have an ability to relate well to both children and adults.
• Enthusiastic and willing to try new ideas, taking responsibility for new initiatives.
• Capable of working with staff from all areas of the school, external agencies and partner schools.
• Interested in continuing professional development.
• An individual who is keen to contribute to the wider life of the school and enrichment.

In return we can offer you the opportunity to work with motivated students, the full support of a dedicated and committed team of staff, a supportive induction programme and ongoing professional development, plus the opportunity to work in a developing school in a beautiful area of the South West.

There are many advantages to working for us. Free on-site parking. A selection of meals, snacks (hot and cold) and drinks are available for staff to purchase at lunch and break times.

Included in your actual annual salary is generous annual leave entitlement, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, free on-site parking, free eye tests and employee assistance helpline. You also have access to an employee benefits platform which offers savings on everyday essentials to special offers on travel, dining, and entertainment.

This is an extremely successful inclusive school with a strong reputation in the area. In the most recent Ofsted in February 2024, inspectors praised the strong community ethos and relationships between staff and students based on clear expectations. Inspectors also celebrated our broad and ambitious curriculum, the prioritisation of reading and the support that is in place for all students to access the curriculum. Moreover, we continue to be very proud of the excellent progress our students make in their GCSE examinations. The school remains one of the highest performing schools in Somerset and is well-regarded by parents and the community.

St Dunstan’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to references and a full Disclosure and Barring Service check. St Dunstan’s School is an equal opportunities employer. The campus is a no smoking site.

Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.