Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

Location: Southampton Hospital School

Contract: 22.2 hours per week over 3 days(Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) term time only (39 weeks)

Salary: Grade 6, points range 12 - 17 depending on experience. Between £15,340 - £16, 527 per annum (actual)

Application Deadline:  4th November 2026 4pm

Interview Date: 9th November

Start date: As soon as possible

Job Introduction

Southampton Hospital School is an alternative provision academy that provides hospital education to pupils in Southampton General Hospital and Outreach teaching to pupils within the city of Southampton. We are experts at educating children with medical needs and enabling pupils to reintegrate back into their usual school.

Any stay in hospital can result in periods of absence from school, creating extra worries for young people and their families around the potentially negative impact this can have on their educational progress and opportunities. This is where Southampton Hospital School can help. We provide a high-quality educational experience for every young person referred to us, one which is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of each child and ensures they are not disadvantaged by their medical status.

We feel incredibly proud and privileged to be working within a unique setting, one that is tailored to meet the educational, health and emotional needs of young people. We offer all learners a high quality, engaging educational experience which skilfully and sequentially enriches and builds upon their existing skills and knowledge.

Our team understands the unique needs of our students and works tirelessly to create a nurturing and conducive learning environment. Each staff member brings their expertise and passion to the table, ensuring our students receive the best care and education.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate, adaptable and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Southampton Hospital School.

This is a unique opportunity to support children and young people whose education has been interrupted by medical needs, mental health challenges or periods of hospitalisation. Working alongside teachers, healthcare professionals, families and mainstream schools, you will help pupils remain engaged in learning, rebuild confidence and achieve positive outcomes during what can often be a challenging period in their lives. 

As a Teaching Assistant, you will support learning across the school, but mainly within our Bursledon House provision. You will work with individual pupils and small groups, helping to create positive,nurturing and inclusive learning experiences that meet academic, emotional and wellbeing needs. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting teachers to deliver engaging, personalised learning activities.

• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils, many of whom may be experiencing barriers to learning.

• Encouraging independence, resilience and confidence in learners.

• Supporting pupils with a range of medical, social, emotional and mental health needs.

• Preparing and adapting learning resources and classroom environments.

• Monitoring and recording pupil engagement and progress.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, families, health professionals and partner schools.

• Contributing to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

• Supporting the school's commitment to safeguarding, attendance, wellbeing and successful reintegration to mainstream education where appropriate.

We are seeking a professional individual who:

 This post is ideal for someone who genuinely believes that every child deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of     their medical circumstances.

You will be a positive and flexible team player who can build strong relationships with children and young people, demonstrate empathy and compassion, and remain calm and professional when responding to changing situations.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have:

• Experience of working with children or young people in an educational, care, youth work or support setting. 

• Recent or relevant experience of delivering the National Curriculum in a school setting.

• A good standard of literacy and numeracy, including GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with pupils, families and colleagues.

• The ability to motivate, engage and encourage children to succeed in their learning.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality.

• The ability to use initiative, respond flexibly to changing circumstances and solve problems effectively. 

The qualities that will help you thrive at Southampton Hospital School include:

• Kindness, empathy and emotional intelligence.

• Patience and resilience.

• A commitment to inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• A genuine interest in supporting children with medical and mental health needs.

• A reflective approach and willingness to learn.• Creativity and adaptability in supporting teaching and learning.

• The ability to remain calm and positive when faced with challenges.

• An unwavering commitment to putting children and young people at the centre of everything you do.

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
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related
• Eligible for a Blue Light card

Application Procedure

We will be welcoming applicants for a tour and discussion with the headteacher at the following time:

Wednesday 21st October at 1pm

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Toni Graves, Office Manager by emailing toni.graves@southamptonhospitalschool.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.

Safer Recruitment

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.