Teaching Assistant

About the school

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Its broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.

The role

Dibden Park School is seeking compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to support pupils with additional needs. The position is permanent and term-time only, commencing September 2026. The salary is £23,638 per annum. Hours are 40 per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. UK applicants only; no sponsorship is available. Interviews will be face-to-face and will include working with students in class.

Key responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to help pupils access learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Support teachers in delivering engaging, creative and inclusive lessons.
• Encourage pupils' confidence, independence, communication and emotional wellbeing.
• Help create a safe, positive and stimulating learning environment.
• Prepare classroom resources and support a wide range of indoor, outdoor and enrichment activities.
• Promote positive behaviour through patience, encouragement and strong relationships.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and colleagues to provide consistent support.

Requirements

• Caring, patient and passionate about helping young people thrive.
• Positive, resilient and able to build trusting relationships with pupils.
• Adaptable, proactive and comfortable working in a dynamic school environment.
• A strong team player who enjoys collaborating with others.
• Confident supporting pupils with a range of learning, communication and emotional needs.
• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child can succeed.
• Eager to learn and develop new skills.

Benefits & package

• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
• Mental health support and physical health checks.
• Flexible benefits platform including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, plus hundreds of UK and international discounts.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family growth support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob or request the school contact after signing in.