Senior Teaching Assistant

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and an appointment may be made before the closing date, therefore an early application is encouraged.

Salary: Grade 7, Point 8: £16,887 per annum*

Contract: Permanent, 27.08 hours (27 hours, 5 minutes) per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days).

*The salary quoted reflects the annual salary for the position at the time of advertising. Payment will be made in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment, and again if employment ends partway through the school year, to ensure the correct salary is paid for work completed during the academic year.

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Senior Teaching Assistant to join our school community. This is a rewarding, classroom-based role where you will work closely with teachers, support staff, and pupils to make a meaningful impact on teaching and learning.

You will play a key role in supporting pupils’ academic progress, promoting inclusion, and helping to create a positive and engaging learning environment for all children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support teachers in planning, preparing, and delivering engaging lessons
• Lead learning activities for individuals, small groups, and whole classes (including at times without the teacher present)
• Help assess, monitor, and record pupils’ progress and provide constructive feedback
• Promote positive behaviour and maintain a purposeful learning environment
• Support the inclusion of all pupils, including those with additional needs
• Prepare and organise learning resources and classroom materials
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents/carers

We are looking for someone who:

• Has recent experience working as a Teaching Assistant (or similar role)
• Holds a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in supporting teaching and learning
• Has strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Demonstrates a good understanding of the primary curriculum
• Is confident supporting learning across a range of abilities
• Has knowledge of safeguarding, SEN, and behaviour management strategies
• Communicates effectively and works well as part of a team
• Is proactive, flexible, and committed to continuous professional development

To find out more about the benefits of working for SAST, click here

For more information about our school, please click here to view our careers page.

Should you wish to arrange a visit to view the school (once they reopen on 07th September), please do not hesitate to contact the school office via office@sherbornepri.dorset.sch.uk or on 01935 812619.

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification, and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.