Teaching Assistant

Compass Learning Centre is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and energetic Teaching Assistant ( to start in September 2024, or sooner if available, joining our team supporting students across Key Stage 3 and 4. Hours of work are available between 32 and 37 hours per week over 5 days, term time including INSET days. This post is fixed term for one year in the first instance with the potential to become permanent.

The salary range for this post is Dorset Council Grades 5 - 6 dependent on experience, and we can offer a progression route through to Senior Teaching Assistant at Grade 7 for the right candidate.

This post would suit someone who enjoys working with young people, either in a professional or volunteer role, and who would like to make a difference to lives of young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Whether you are looking to gain experience during a gap year before going onto higher education, or an opportunity to build on existing skills or experience, this could be the perfect job for you.

This position is challenging but rewarding and will require you to work both alongside teachers and other education professionals as well as independently under teachers' direction, supporting the work of groups of children and individuals. Duties are varied, depending on the age and special needs of the students concerned.

• Have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including English and Mathematics


• Ideally have experience working with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours


• Promote the inclusion of all students


• Contribute to the safeguarding and protection of all students


The young people we educate have struggled to maintain a place in mainstream school and come to us with a variety of additional needs. Our challenge is to help them build the confidence, knowledge and skills to unlock their potential. This role will suit someone who is caring, understanding and can demonstrate energy and enthusiasm with a strong positive behaviour management ethos. Class sizes are small and all of our students need bespoke individualised learning.

If you are a good team player, who is motivated, patient, resilient, understanding and have the ability to establish a rapport with young people in a busy and lively setting, this may be the job for you. You will be joining an outstanding, hardworking and friendly team of staff.

Hours: Hours available between 32-37 hours per week by negotiation, worked over 5 days.

Paid Weeks: Term Time including INSET Day (45.05 paid weeks)

Salary Scale: Grade 5 - 6, points 5 - 9 depending on experience. Actual salary range for 37 hours per week - £20,304 - £21,703 PA. (£23,500 - £25,119 PA - FTE - Pay Award pending)