At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in their learning journey and create engaging classroom experiences.
- Company: St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy, a thriving and ambitious school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a positive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN pupils and strong interpersonal skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 27254 £ per year.
Work Location: St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy, Bournemouth
Salary (per year): Range: NJC scale point 7-9. FTE salary: £26,403 - £27,254
Working hours: 32.5 hours a week (08:20 am – 3:20 pm)
Weeks per year: Term time only plus inset days (39 weeks per year)
Interview Date: tbc
Job Start Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
St James’ Church of England Primary Academy is a successful and ambitious school, with a firm commitment to continue to improve and develop every day. We have a vacancy in our Teaching Assistant team. We are seeking to appoint a SEN teaching assistant with aspiration and ambition. This role will include working with vulnerable children on a 1 to 1 basis and supporting them to access the curriculum. It will include preparing resources and assisting teachers in the day-to-day management of the classroom. Experience of working with SEN pupils and excellent behaviour management skills are desirable. You will have a positive attitude of self‑improvement and a commitment to work alongside colleagues to share best practice, learn, reflect and improve. We are looking for a professional with a strong vocational commitment to improve the life chances of our children with exciting and engaging teaching, learning and lunchtime experiences.
A successful candidate will be:
- Passionate about making learning and lunchtime experiences exciting and memorable
- Determined to ensure that all children have the opportunity to make good progress and will exceed national standards
- A reflective practitioner who is always open to new initiatives
- A team player who is highly motivated and enthusiastic
- Prepared to take an active part in the wider life of the school, willing to add something extra to the school community by sharing their talents
- Able to demonstrate knowledge of our academy in their application and indicate how they believe they could contribute to developing our community and the opportunities for our children
- Empathetic and able to support and promote our Christian ethos and values
- Shows enthusiasm, is proactive, self‑motivated and able to use initiative
- Commits to team work and has excellent interpersonal skills
- Is organised, efficient, professional and adaptable
- Is caring, understanding and patient with a good sense of humour
- Someone who lives life with a smile!
SEN Specific Experience (Desirable):
- Has experience of caring for children with physical needs who require physio support and intimate care
- Understands child development and attachment theory in relation to challenging behaviour
- Establishes positive, supportive and clear relationships with children, parents and staff
- Has a commitment to inclusion in a mainstream setting
- Training in working with children with ASD, ADHD, PDA, SLCN or developmental delay.
In return, we offer:
- A learning community where you are encouraged to innovate, think for yourself, try new ideas, make a difference and take on responsibility
- Happy, enthusiastic children who are motivated to learn
- A dedicated and mutually supportive staff team
- Supportive leadership, parents, local governors and Multi‑Academy Trust
- Opportunities to network with partnership school and Trust colleagues
- High quality opportunities for continued professional development
- An academy trust employee benefits and wellbeing package.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Bournemouth employer: St James' Church of England Primary Academy
St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, dedicated to the continuous improvement of both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our team members are encouraged to innovate and collaborate, ensuring that every teaching assistant can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our children. Located in Bournemouth, we offer a nurturing environment where passionate individuals can thrive while contributing to a community that values inclusivity and excellence in education.
Contact Details:
St James' Church of England Primary Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy and understand their values and ethos. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN support. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in behaviour management and working with vulnerable children.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for making learning exciting shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the school’s mission and improve the life chances of their children.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about making learning fun and memorable for our students!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with SEN pupils. We love seeing how you can contribute to our community and support our children’s development.
Be Reflective:Share examples of how you've learned from past experiences and how you're open to new ideas. We value candidates who are always looking to improve and grow alongside us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at St James' Church of England Primary Academy
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research St. James’ Church of England Primary Academy. Understand their ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their community.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with SEN pupils in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported children with various needs. Highlight your behaviour management skills and how you've adapted your approach to meet individual requirements.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Teaching Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Emphasise your willingness to learn from others and contribute to a positive team environment, as this aligns with the academy's commitment to sharing best practices.
✨Bring Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for education shine through during the interview. Share your ideas on making learning exciting and memorable for children. A positive attitude and a good sense of humour can go a long way in showing that you're the right fit for their vibrant school community.
