Teaching Assistant - The Wymering School


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Portsmouth, PO6 3YB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Sept 2026
Closing date:	1 Oct 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

At The Wymering School, part of the Southern Education Trust, we specialise in making magic happen every day, okay, maybe not actual magic, but you get the idea! We’re passionate about creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine.

We specialise in supporting young people with Social Communication and Interaction difficulties, associated Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties and high level of anxiety and/or associated distressed behaviour. We’re looking for super-organised, people-loving, multitasking gurus, and part superhero (cape optional), to join our growing team as Teaching Assistants.

Your role as a Teaching Assistant will involve helping students engage with their learning, supporting their emotional well-being, and feel confident in school.

You’llbe a key part of the classroom team, and a calming presence in moments of emotional turbulence (because let’s face it, the classroom can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster).You’ll be the glue that holds everything together, the calm in the storm, the person who can help our students navigate their school day without it feeling overwhelming.

What you’ll be doing:

• Be the superhero sidekick students need in the classroom, helping them access learning in their own unique way, whether it’s helping them stay focused, managing behaviour, or just being there to listen.

• Assist in delivering personalised support for students; making learning fun and accessible and helping them feel at home in the classroom. Be the emotional support they didn’t know they needed.

• Use your organisational skills to manage the day-to-day needs of students and keep things running smoothly. Think of yourself as the backstage manager of a very lively show (but with fewer glittery costumes).

• Help create a positive, inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe to be themselves (even if that “self” involves a few wobbly moments).

• Collaborate with teachers, other staff members, because teamwork makes the dream work!

Who we’re looking for:

• Excellent communication skills

• Reliability, great organisational skills, and the ability to juggle. Not just balls or flaming torches (unless you’re into that!), but multiple tasks at once with the kind of grace only a true multitasker has.

• Experience of working with children(not essential)- especially those who’ve faced challenges. If you’ve worked with kids who have additional needs or disabilities, you’re basically our superhero in disguise.

• The ability to stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations - some days can be challenging but you can bounce back when things are tricky.

• A genuine passion for working with young people and the patience of a saint (or at least the patience of someone who’s had their fair share of ‘fascinating’ classroom moments!).

• The ability to adapt your style to each student, because no two days (or students) are the same.

• Enthusiasm and the right attitude are just as important!

What the school offers its staff

The Wymering School, part of the Southern Education Trust, we believe every child deserves to be seen, understood and empowered to succeed - no matter the challenges they face. Our pupils are extraordinary young people with Social Communication and Interaction needs, Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, and high levels of anxiety and associated distressed behaviours.

Their progress is not always loud or visible. Sometimes it’s a raised hand. A calm moment. A return to a lesson. A moment of trust.

Our values–Togetherness, Resilience, Enthusiasm and Kindness are not words on a wall. They are seen in how staff support each other after a hard day. How we reflect. How we celebrate the smallest steps.

What we offer

• A compassionate, reflective team who carry the emotional weight together

• A role with genuine influence across the school and the Trust

• Ongoing professional growth and leadership opportunities

• A culture where wellbeing is lived, not labelled

• Work that is deeply human and genuinely life-changing

• The opportunity to change lives - often through small, powerful moments that stay with pupils forever.

• Early Friday finish - because wellbeing matters for staff too.

• Outstanding induction,mentoringand training opportunities.

• The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust - a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”and our values arekindness,collaborationand creativity.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer. If successfully shortlisted we would carry out an individual online search to demonstrate due diligence following the updated ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022' guidance.

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