Teaching Assistant - Westfield Arts College

Westfield Arts College Teaching Assistant XS 10.4 Dorset Grade 6 SCP 6 - 9 31.65 hours per week - Monday to Friday (8.40 - 3.30) Permanent - Term Time Only We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team and support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. All our teaching assistants are expected to be flexible and able to work across the school as required. Supporting the personal care and health needs of our children and young people is an equally important part of the role. The right person will

• Be passionate about helping young people develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.
• Have some experience and/or training to support children of all ages with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Use therapeutic approaches to understand and support behaviour, fostering resilience and personal development.
• Have good literacy and numeracy skills
• Demonstrate excellent communication and relational skills with children, young people, families and colleagues.
• Be creative, reflective adaptable and draw on a range of skills to meet diverse needs.
• Be committed to ongoing professional development and to contributing positively to Westfield's ambitious Broadening Horizons curriculum. Further Information Why Join Us?
• A highly supportive and collaborative staff team that values therapeutic practice and emotional wellbeing.
• Ongoing training and development in Therapeutic Thinking, communication approaches and SEND pedagogy.
• Excellent facilities, beautiful grounds and welcoming learning environment
• A school community that celebrates progress in all its forms - academic, social and emotional.
• A real opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of extraordinary young people. About Us Westfield is a highly regarded 4-19, 230 pupil Dorset special school. All pupils have significant learning difficulties, some with additional complex needs. The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant and successful school. They will also receive the full support of an exceptionally committed and skilful staff team. Ofsted judged us as outstanding in February 2023. Further information about Westfield can be found at www.westfield.dorset.sch.uk. Closing Date: 19 October 2026 Interviews: 3 November 2026 Contact Julie Rook, Admin Officer (HR) jrook@westfield.dorset.sch.uk