At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with additional needs to engage in learning and achieve their goals.
- Company: Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to specialist education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mental health support, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a dynamic environment focused on personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping children, experience with SEND preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work.
Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday‑Friday)
Salary: From £22,160.63 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: July 2026
Applicants: UK only – no sponsorship available
Do you have the energy, compassion and creativity to help children and young people overcome barriers and achieve more than they ever thought possible? At Wessex Lodge School, we're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our specialist team and make a genuine difference to the lives of pupils with additional needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting pupils across the school, helping them to engage in learning, develop socially and emotionally, and achieve their individual goals. Working closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team, you'll help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where pupils feel understood, valued and inspired to succeed.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support pupils aged 5‑18 to engage positively in learning and achieve their individual targets.
- Deliver tailored 1:1 and small‑group support to meet a range of SEND needs.
- Promote pupils' personal development, wellbeing, confidence and independence.
- Monitor progress, provide feedback and contribute to assessment and record‑keeping.
- Help create stimulating learning environments that encourage curiosity and participation.
- Build positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Promote positive behaviour and uphold safeguarding procedures at all times.
- Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting enrichment activities, pastoral care and school events.
About You
- Creative, enthusiastic and willing to think outside the box.
- Passionate about helping children and young people succeed.
- Experienced in supporting pupils with SEND, including Autism and SEMH needs, or eager to develop within specialist education.
- Calm, patient and able to respond sensitively to individual needs.
- An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Organised, reliable and confident maintaining accurate records.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Dedicated to continuous professional development and learning.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
- Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
- Experience liaising with parents, carers and external agencies.
- Knowledge of SEND processes and interventions.
- Experience using assessment information to support planning.
- PE, Outdoor Education or Forest School qualifications.
- QTS or previous teaching experience.
About Us
Learning at Wessex Lodge goes far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor spaces across all three sites offer meaningful opportunities for pupils to regulate, connect and engage. These environments, whether it be out in the community or time with animals, are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Teaching Assistant in Frome employer: Wessex Lodge School
At Wessex Lodge School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with flexible benefits and a focus on work-life balance, makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about education and personal growth. Join us in a vibrant environment in Frome, Somerset, where your creativity and compassion can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Frome
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Wessex Lodge School looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Teaching Assistant at Wessex Lodge School, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Frome
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Wessex Lodge School, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Wessex Lodge School and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Lodge School
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Wessex Lodge School might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Wessex Lodge School.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
