Teaching Assistant - Primary Phase

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Westgate School is a warm, vibrant and forward-thinking community where colleagues and pupils learn together. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school, we are proud of our culture of academic excellence.

We are seeking to recruit a Teaching Assistant to join our enthusiastic and committed support team, primarily in our Primary Phase (Year R to Year 6). The role will suit someone who has experience working with children and supporting them to become more independent learners. It would suit someone with a particular interest in working with children who are neurodiverse and is ideal for people considering a future in teaching.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking individuals who can build positive, trusting relationships with children, bring empathy, patience and enthusiasm to their work, and:

• Have experience working with children, building positive relationships in a calm, empathetic way
• Have a specific interest in supporting children who are neurodiverse (for example ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and have medical needs
• Have obtained Maths and English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent
• Are committed to the highest possible levels of achievement for every pupil
• Are cheerful, flexible and approachable, with a good sense of humour
• Are able to demonstrate high levels of emotional resilience and stay calm under pressure to support vulnerable children
• Show initiative within the role and have good time management skills
• Are a hard-working team player, able to work closely with teachers and other adults within the classroom to ensure the best for all our pupils
• Have the patience and the resourcefulness to support and inspire our children with their learning, helping to unlock their potential
• Have a good understanding of child development
• Have excellent communication skills
• Are able to support children’s behaviour for learning and for their self-regulation
• Have a strong commitment to supporting all children and young people in learning to read, and reading to learn
• Are enthusiastic and committed to supporting children with specific needs both inside and outside the classroom
• Are keen to participate in professional learning and qualifications

What the school offers its staff

What we can offer

• The chance to be part of a highly skilled and friendly team and work in all key phases in the all-through school
• The chance to develop your own specialism within the Learning Support Team
• Opportunities to teach small groups of pupils
• Opportunities for training related to special educational needs including autism and ABA
• Where there are suitable courses, we are happy to support in apprenticeship training

What Ofsted says

“The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence” Ofsted, September 2022

“Outstanding” Ofsted, November 2023

“Staff are incredibly proud to work at this school” Ofsted 2024

Benefits of working at

The Westgate School

• Full induction programme including professional learning and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
• Ongoing professional development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment
• A friendly and welcoming school community
• Automatic enrolment to a generous local government pension scheme
• Benefits of local government sick pay
• On-site parking and access to EV charging stations
• Free use of health and fitness facilities
• Preferential nursery places in the on-site nursery at a reduced price
• Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children (after 2 years of employment)

Further details about the role

Safeguarding

The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Pre-employment checks

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.

Child Protection Policy

You can find The Westgate School’s Child Protection Policy document on our policies webpage.

Equal Opportunities

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

AI

We encourage applicants to avoid using AI for their application and if doing so, please state this in the application. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own as it forms part of the basis upon which future employment may be decided.

How to apply

Job descriptions and application forms are available at www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies.

Please send completed application forms to the HR team recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk

Please note, only submissions on the Hampshire County Council application form will be accepted.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications.

Closing Date

12 noon, Friday 12 June 2026

Interview Date

TBC

Commitment to safeguarding

The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council 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, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with KCSiE recommendations.