Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

ROLE: Teaching Assistant

SCHOOL: Shirley Junior School

HOURS: 27.5 – 32.5 hrs/week; Mon-Fri; term time only

SALARY: Grade 6 - £28,792 – £31,021 (actual salary £18,395 - £23,422)

CLOSING DATE: Monday 7th July 2025 at 12:00pm

INTERVIEW DATE: Monday 14th July 2025

START DATE: September 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Teaching Assistants to join our team at Shirley Junior School, part of Hamwic Education Trust (HET). We are currently looking for motivated and proactive Teaching Assistants to join our friendly and supportive staff. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy working with children, and are excited by the opportunity to make a difference every single day, we would love to hear from you.

At Shirley Junior School, we are proud to be an emotionally literate community where every child is seen, heard, and valued. We foster a deep sense of belonging and acceptance, helping pupils grow into honest, responsible citizens. Our approach to behaviour is rooted in kindness and understanding, and our creative, rich curriculum empowers learners to thrive.

We are united by our core values of kindness, respect, and integrity, and we aspire to ensure every child makes exceptional progress in their learning. If you join us, you’ll be part of a passionate and committed team that works together to solve challenges with creativity and purpose.

Shirley Junior School is proud to be part of HET—an ambitious and fast-paced Trust made up of 37 academies across the South Coast, connected by six strong community-based partnerships.

JOB/PERSON SUMMARY

We’re looking for a passionate, proactive individual to work alongside our dedicated teachers, helping pupils thrive and reach their potential. Your role will be varied and rewarding—supporting whole-class learning while also providing targeted assistance to children with special educational needs, including those who may present with challenging behaviour. You won’t be alone in this journey. You’ll be supported by our Inclusion Team and a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), ensuring that both you and our pupils are well cared for.

This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, ideal for someone who is committed to making school a positive, inclusive, and engaging place for every child. There may be an opportunity for additional hours through our breakfast club provision, depending on the suitability of the candidate.

WE ARE SEEKING PROFESSIONAL WITH

• Strong understanding of how children learn and play
• Classroom experience supporting children’s learning
• High expectations for achievement and behaviour
• Team player with a commitment to a child-centred ethos
• Resilient, enthusiastic, patient, flexible and caring
• Skilled at engaging and inspiring children
• Confident in challenging, supporting and motivating all learners
• Calm under pressure, with effective time management
• Creative thinker who adapts learning to individual needs
• GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths; ideally with a Level 2+ qualification in Childcare or a related field

WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Excellent CPD opportunities and Training and Development Programmes
• An individual induction programme supported by a mentor 
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to the Trust Health and Wellbeing pages
• Access to a staff benefits portal through Vivup

‘All about the Child’

At HET, we aim to put the child at the centre of everything we do.  We believe that by doing this, it drives our ethos and values to do the best we can for our children.

‘What about Sam’

Sam is the name we have given to the notional Hamwic child.  By asking ourselves ‘What about Sam?’ we ensure that we put our pupils at the heart of our decision making.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, please visit www.shirleyjuniorschool.org/vacancies for more details and return a completed application form to Bree Enemark, Business Manager E: bree.enemark@shirleyschools.co.uk. 

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.   Please note, any candidates requesting a tour will be asked for their current place of work which will allow the school to verify, where possible, the name and place of work given.   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.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to appoint a person ahead of the closing date, should a suitable candidate be found earlier.

SAFEGUARDING

All schools with the Trust 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, including online searches.