Teaching Assistant

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and resourceful Teaching Assistant to join our team at Harbour Vale School. This post represents an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic and qualified member of support staff who is keen to develop professionally in a school that is fully supportive of the importance of inclusion and ensuring that students achieve to the best of their ability.

We are a pupil referral unit, and we educate students who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream education at Key Stages 3 or 4. 

We also offer SEMH places at KS4, short term turnaround placements and medical places at both KS3 & 4. 

We have a capacity of 38 students, and this is growing each year. The need for specialist and PRU places in Dorset is increasing and with our new school buildings it is possible for Harbour Vale to grow and flourish to support children within our locality.

As a school we joined the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) in November 2019 and officially became Harbour Vale School. It is fantastic being part of a trust who puts children at the centre of everything they do. Having a sense of belonging and working together with so many experienced colleagues, with great CPD opportunities, collaborative working, learning and support mechanisms centrally. Reinforces the benefits of being part of a Multi-Academy Trust.

In recent years, Harbour Vale School had a huge makeover. We commissioned a new build that included a new reception and classroom, as well as internal renovation work, leaving us with a school that is welcoming, friendly and fit for purpose. 

We have robust processes of student induction that includes baseline and diagnostic testing upon entry, which allows staff to plan personalised learning from the moment the students arrive with us and supports positive re-integrations. 

You are asked to provide the following:

• A completed application form
• A letter of application of no more than 2 sides of A4 detailing your experience and expertise

Completed applications should be returned by email to: recruitment@sast.org.uk.

You are warmly encouraged to visit our School prior to application, please do not hesitate to contact Naomi Molyneux, Office Manager on office@harbourvale.dorset.sch.uk.  

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST) recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

(Internal ID Number: RAF498)