Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Wyvern Academy

Permanent, 30.75hrs per week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.50am-15.35pm and Weds 8.50 – 16.20), Term time only

£25,686 – £26,937 (actual salary for part-time, term time only working £18,268 – £19,158)

About us:

At Wyvern Academy, part of the Southern Education Trust, we're passionate about creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine.

We specialise in supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 years with learning difficulties, including autism, physical and sensory disabilities and healthcare needs

Wyvern Academy's vision is to provide a bespoke education tailored to each pupil, delivered in a creative and nurturing environment, inspiring all who work and learn with us to develop their full potential. Working in partnership with families, we aim for all children and young people to flourish and to lead as full, interesting and independent lives as possible, leaving Wyvern with a strong sense of who they are and where they belong in the world.

If you're looking for a role that challenges, rewards, and fills you with purpose in a world where every day is unique and every moment counts, this could be the role for you

What you'll be doing:

• Be the superhero pupils need in the classroom, helping them access learning in their own unique way
• Help deliver personalised learning that makes sense for each pupil—because no two pupils are the same (and that's where the fun begins).
• Play an active role in the development of pupils' emotional, social, and physical skills, empowering them to grow in confidence and independence.
• Build trust and create a safe, supportive environment where pupils feel confident to explore, learn, and grow.
• Use your organisational skills to manage the day-to-day needs of pupils and keep things running smoothly.
• You'll be there for those breakthrough moments when pupils achieve something they've been working toward—no matter how big or small. Every win is a win
• You'll collaborate with teachers and other amazing team members to ensure every pupil's needs are met with care and creativity.
• Provide support where needed with dignity and compassion (don't worry, we'll give you the tools and training to feel confident).
• Bring the fun whether it's through sensory activities, play, or music, you'll help bring the joy and make each day feel like an adventure.

Who we're looking for:

• You need to be patient, compassionate, kind-hearted, open-minded, and creative, because every student is unique and so are the ways you'll help them learn whilst ensuring every pupil feels like they belong.
• Practical experience of working with children or young people. If you've worked with kids who have additional needs or disabilities, you're basically our superhero in disguise.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• You'll be adaptable, and have the ability to work flexibly with all ages and a range of needs (with full training), understanding that no two days are the same
• Reliability, great organisational skills, and the ability to juggle. Not just balls or flaming torches (unless you're into that), but multiple tasks at once with the kind of grace only a true multitasker has.
• The ability to stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations – some days can be challenging but you can bounce back when things are tricky.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young adults with complex learning needs and the patience of a saint (or at least the patience of someone who's had their fair share of 'fascinating' classroom moments).

Why join us?

• The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
• Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
• We're a supportive team who'll have your back during the good, the bad, and the "Did that really just happen?" moments.
• Professional development opportunities because we're all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once
• You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
• A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust. Our ethos is encompassed in our vision "Learning together in pursuit of happiness". This means we really care whether students love or hate their learning, so we work hard to create a space where students learn together to become knowledgeable, self-aware, independent and happy people who make a positive difference, wherever life takes them.

(Click apply to be taken to our website, where links to our application form and other relevant documents can be found)

If this sounds like your kind of adventure (with less dragon-slaying and more pencil sharpening), become part of our journey, by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to if you would like to apply. See our Teaching Assistant Job Description for further details on the role and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Closing Date: 10th November 2025

Interview date: 17th November 2025

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your 'name, education and employment', to demonstrate due diligence following 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,686.00-£26,937.00 per year

Expected hours: 30.75 per week

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person