Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

Beechwood Junior School is located in the centre of Bitterne on the east side of Southampton.

The school is a vibrant, inclusive, and values-driven community where every member of staff plays a vital role in shaping the lives of our children. We are proud to be a school with HEART. Our core values – Honesty, Effort, Achievement, Respect, and Teamwork – are not just words on a wall; they are the foundation of our culture and the compass that guides everything we do. Our motto, “Together We Can” reflects our belief in the power of collaboration – among staff, pupils, families, and the wider community. We are a school where staff are valued and supported, and where children are at the heart of every decision.

You will be joining a dedicated team that is passionate about making a difference and committed to nurturing the whole child. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to shape learning experiences that are creative, inclusive, and meaningful. We are committed to the professional development and wellbeing of our staff. We offer high-quality training, mentoring, and opportunities for career progression.

Beechwood Junior School is in the Edwin Jones 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 Edwin Jones Partnership is a multi-academy partnership based in Southampton. The partnership enables local schools to work together to develop a strong education for all our children.

Role Summary:

 Beechwood Junior School are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant. 

This role involves:

• Supporting the Class Teacher in the delivery of learning activities for individuals or groups of pupils
• Assisting teachers in providing a learning environment that enables all children to access the curriculum and learn to the best of their ability
• Organising learning materials and pupil resources that support classroom activities
• Working with and supporting children with a variety of academic, physical and emotional/behavioural needs in a class, group or on an individual basis

We are seeking a professional individual who:

• Can assist teachers in providing a learning environment that enables all children to access the curriculum and learn to the best of their ability
• Can work with and support children with a variety of academic, physical and emotional/behavioural needs in a class, group or on an individual basis 
• Is a reflective practitioner who is keen to achieve personal excellence through the provision of outstanding support for children
• Has high expectations of achievement and behaviour 
• Is able to work closely and effectively within a team
• Is committed to working in partnership with children, staff, parents, and the wider community
• Is a creative person who has excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Has excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills

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
• Wellbeing day
• 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
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related
• 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 Debbie Stone, Senior Administration Officer by emailing debbiestone@beechwoodjuniorschool.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 www.beechwoodjuniorschool.co.uk and Job vacancies | Careers | Hamwic Education Trust | Multi-academy Trust and return to return to Debbie Stone, Senior Administration Officer, email: debbiestone@beechwoodjuniorschool.co.uk

CV’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.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.