SEN Teaching Assistant
Portfield School
Dorset
- £13.80 - £14.05 per hour
- New
- Salary:
- Hourly rate pending qualifications + SEN Allowance
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- 11/11/2026
- Apply by:
- 22 November 2026
Job overview
As more students join the Portfield School community, we're creating exciting opportunities for new Teaching Assistants to become part of our team. We're looking for enthusiastic, caring individuals who want to play a hands-on role in helping young people learn, grow and thrive.
No previous experience? No problem. We believe the right attitude and passion matter most. That is why we have developed a comprehensive 12-week training programme, to help provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you would need to excel in your new role and build a rewarding career in specialist education.
Please note: Autism Unlimited does not provide visa sponsorship.
To be considered for this role, you will be required to complete an application form as part of our safer recruitment process.
The role
Our Teaching Assistants play a vital role in building positive, trusting relationships with students, taking the time to understand their individual interests, preferences and learning styles. This enables them to tailor their approach and create personalised learning experiences that help every student thrive.
No two days at Portfield School are ever the same. The role is unbelievably rewarding and can be both physically and emotionally demanding at times, however you will never be alone! Ongoing support will always be available from your team members, line manager, Leadership team, Mental Health First aiders or our Employee Assistance programme.
We love celebrating all the amazing achievements, big or small. Whether it’s painting a picture, trying a new food, solving a tricky maths equation or a short conversation with someone new, every milestone matters. That feel good factor is pat of what makes our school so special.
Hours - 37 per week
Monday - 08:30am - 4pm
Tuesday - 08:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday - 08:30am - 4pm
Thursday - 08:30am - 4pm
Friday - 08:30am - 3:30pm
To be successful as a Teaching Assistant, we are looking for someone who:
Can easily adapt themselves in different situations
Has a fun and supportive nature
Doesn’t hesitate to play and get messy
Displays a calm approach, even when under pressure
Will support with personal care such as nappies and toilet training
Can participate in any exercise and activities required
Will use their initiative where needed
Why join us?
See how we take care of our team- explore our great benefits online!
Why we are proud to work for Autism Unlimited
Apply now:
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you. To apply it couldn’t be simpler - just ‘apply’ to
complete the application process. Should you need any assistance please give us a call on 01202 084834.
Due to safer recruitment checks we will request references prior to interview. Please inform us if you do not want us to request a reference from your current employer. To be considered you must complete our application form.
Carly would be happy to help!
Closing date: Sunday 22nd November 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 30th November 2026
Our Commitment
We welcome applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this. Anyone with any form of disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in order to participate in the job application or interview process. As part of our commitment to providing reasonable adjustments, please let us know if you require support to complete your application.
Autism Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Any vacancy we have will be filled based on qualifications and best fit without any reference to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
All successful candidates will be subject to disclosure and barring checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Attached documents
About Portfield School
- Portfield School
- Parley Lane, Christchurch
- Dorset
- BH23 6BP
- United Kingdom
Mission Statement
To enable every autistic student to achieve their full potential
Values
• Resilience
• Partnership
• Care
• Courage
• Curiosity
Who we are
Portfield School is exceptional due to the staff team that support our students. Their dedication, hard work, perseverance, and high expectations allow the students to thrive and achieve. All staff demonstrate high levels of compassion and understanding that brings out the best in every student. Our flexible approach supports students with their additional needs whilst creating an individual pathway that challenges and supports them to be the best that they can be.
Our skilled team of teachers, teaching assistants and therapists work collaboratively to design a personalised learning programme, tailored to the needs, strengths and interests of every student.
Partnership working is central to the success of our students; we are committed to working with our families to support the progress and well-being of their child. Families have regular contact with the team at Portfield School who offer high levels of support and advice.
What we do
At Portfield School we are proud of a truly unique curriculum design, which is flexible, creative and tailored to the individual. The curriculum offer is holistic and enables the self-confidence, resilience and self-advocacy of the students to bloom as well as allowing the individual to achieve accredited qualifications. In addition to academic achievement, we build emotional wellbeing and resilience and develop the students’ social and independence skills.
Our holistic curriculum includes not only education, but also therapy, the development of skills for life, independence, and a focus on accessing the world of work through a highly tailored work experience programme.
At Portfield School, respect and equity underpin everything we do. We recognise the amazing attributes that each of our students have, and we support their continual development to enable everyone to thrive. Our students are encouraged to take on new challenges, engage in appropriate risk-taking and apply the skills they have learnt their whole lives.
Most importantly, we inspire our students, finding creative ways to navigate challenges and ensuring that they have the skills to be independent adults who can make meaningful choices and take an active role within their community.
Each of our students receives a high-quality education delivered through the immensely capable and effective hands of our specialised school team. We have a highly motivated, talented, and dedicated team of teachers and support staff who have high aspirations for our young people. We provide a caring and challenging environment ensuring that all students reach their full potential.
Inclusion is at the heart of our school where all pupils are nurtured and encouraged to achieve their full potential and develop into creative and ambitious learners. We are extremely proud of their achievements and take every opportunity to celebrate them.
We are immensely proud of Portfield School which provides education to students from the age of 4 to 19. Our team is a dedicated group of individuals who make it their sole purpose to improve the lives of our students and find ways to make the impossible, possible.
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