Teaching Assistant

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Job title:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary:     £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:     40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         September 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

Interview Process: Interviews will will be face-to-face and will include working with students in class (Applicants will need to allow 3 hours for the interview process)

About the Role

At Dibden Park School, every day is an opportunity to make a genuine difference.

We're looking for compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing team, supporting pupils with additional needs to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Whether you're experienced in SEN or looking to take your first step into specialist education, this is a rewarding career where your support can have a lifelong impact.

You'll work alongside talented teachers, therapists and support staff in a nurturing, inclusive environment where every achievement is celebrated, every challenge is met together, and every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential.

No two days are ever the same - and that's what makes this role so rewarding.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support, helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual goals.

• Support teachers in delivering engaging, creative and inclusive lessons.

• Encourage pupils' confidence, independence, communication and emotional wellbeing.

• Help create a safe, positive and stimulating learning environment where every child feels valued.

• Prepare classroom resources and support a wide range of indoor, outdoor and enrichment activities.

• Promote positive behaviour through patience, encouragement and strong relationships.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and colleagues to provide consistent support for every pupil.

• Celebrate every success and help pupils overcome barriers to learning and personal development.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Caring, patient and passionate about helping young people thrive.

• Positive, resilient and able to build trusting relationships with pupils.

• Adaptable, proactive and happy working in a dynamic school environment.

• A great team player who enjoys collaborating with others.

• Confident supporting pupils with a range of learning, communication and emotional needs.

• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

• Eager to learn, develop new skills and build a rewarding long-term career in education.

At Dibden Park, you won’t just support learning — you’ll inspire it. You’ll help pupils overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and grow as individuals. With training, guidance and the support of a dedicated team, this is a role where you can truly make a difference while developing your own skills and career.

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance

• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits

  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts

  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme

  • Critical illness cover

  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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