Job Introduction
Location: Gatcombe Park Primary School
Contract: Teaching Assistant 1-1
Fixed Term – 1st September – 31st August 2027
30.42 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year)
Salary: Between £18,750 to £19,057 per annum (actual)
£25,614 to £26,033 per annum full time equivalent
Application deadline: 24th June 2026
Interview date: 1st July 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Gatcombe Park Primary School is in the Hilsea area of Portsmouth.We are a small, friendly school with a big heart, and we are incredibly proud of the vibrant, inclusive community we’ve built. Our children bring our core values of Teamwork, Respect, and Aiming High to life every single day — whether they’re learning in the classroom, playing on the playground, or supporting one another as part of our school family. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and challenged, and we work tirelessly to ensure that Gatcombe Park is a place where children can grow, thrive, and succeed.
Our staff are committed professionals who go above and beyond to support one another and to bring out the best in every child. We promote a culture of mutual respect, where everyone’s voice is heard and every contribution is valued. Whether it’s through collaborative learning, restorative approaches to behaviour, or inclusive decision-making, we aim to model the values we teach.
We are proud of our open, approachable leadership team who prioritise staff wellbeing and professional development. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a working environment that is both purposeful and positive. We invest in our team, offering opportunities for training, mentoring, and career progression.
Gatcombe Park Primary is in the Ridings Partnership of Hamwic Education Trust (HET); a large, fast-paced multi-academy trust with currently 37 schools across the South Coast: Portsmouth, Southampton, Poole and Dorset. The Ridings Partnership is a multi-academy partnership based in Portsmouth. The partnership enables local schools to work together to develop a strong education for all our children.
Role Summary:
Gatcombe Park Primary School are seeking to appoint a Fixed Term Teaching Assistant working 1:1 with a child in our Foundation Class as directed by the class teacher and/or SENCo.
We are seeking a professional individual who:
➢ Has previous experience of working with children within a school.
➢ Is able to adapt to suit the needs of the child and be able to inspire and engage them.
➢ Is able to support them in their learning and use their initiative to personalise and adapt the learning where necessary.
➢ Be willing to undertake additional training to meet the needs of the school.
➢ Is reflective and committed to professional development.
➢ Is enthusiastic about the education of children, across every area of the curriculum.
➢ Can build and maintain professional and positive working relationships.
➢ Ensure a safe, secure and caring environment for the well-being of the children.
➢ Experience of working 1:1 with a child is desirable.
➢ To have an understanding of children with medical and health care needs including self-care.
➢ To administer daily intimate care.
➢ Has a commitment to safeguarding children.
➢ Can establish positive expectations of pupils’ behaviour and a sensitivity to pupils’ personal needs. ➢ Regularly utilising appropriate behaviour management skills in line with the school’s relevant policies.
➢ To care for children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulation. ➢ Has good interpersonal skills.
➢ Has discretion and sensitivity.
➢ Able to work under their own initiative. ➢ A good team player.
What we offer you:
➢An opportunity to be part of a collaborative team with a shared vision of excellence
➢A real career path in a thriving and respected organisation
➢Flexible working approach, where possible
➢Excellent training and development programmes and opportunities
➢Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme / Teacher Pension Scheme
➢Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service (support staff)
➢Access to our benefits portal offering a full range of discounts available through Lifestyle Savings
➢Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, this includes free confidential telephone and face to face counselling for employees and family members
➢ Eligible for a Blue Light card
About Hamwic Education Trust:
HET is fully committed to developing an outstanding workforce. We are a friendly and supportive community of professionals working hard to ensure that our schools are enabling children to grow and develop for the future.
We have talented staff working in leadership, teaching and support roles throughout our schools and committed professionals working in the Managed Services team covering education, safeguarding, HR, IT, finance and estates. This experienced team supports our schools and is responsible for the successful delivery of our multi-academy trust.
As an employer, we support our staff to grow through continuing professional development and there is a range of apprenticeships and other opportunities available throughout the Trust to extend your knowledge, skills and career prospects.
HET celebrates the uniqueness of our pupils, our staff and our schools and we aim for everyone to achieve their full potential through the pathways of opportunities available.
HET recognises that by valuing and promoting equal opportunities in employment for all employees and job applicants and avoiding unlawful discrimination in employment and delivery of services, we will be able to deliver first class education and value the differences our workforce brings to HET. Application Procedure:
If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the School Business Manager by emailing ccoleby@gatcombeprimary.co.uk to arrange an informal chat or have a tour of the school. Potential candidates will be asked to bring their current school ID and/or photographic ID as proof when they visit the school for a tour.
If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form which can be found at Job vacancies | Careers | Hamwic Education Trust | Multi-academy Trust or contact the school and return to ccoleby@gatcombeprimary.co.ukCV’s will only be accepted along with a completed application form.
Please note, we may close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we have sufficient applications. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Hamwic Education Trust (HET) are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our pupils and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal record and barring checks, scrutiny of work and training history, robust referencing, and other vetting checks. Successful candidates will also be subject to online searches.Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across HET. All HET employees are required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practices and to safeguard our pupils.
