Teaching Assistant

Role Overview

Pickwick Academy Trust is inviting applications for a dedicated Teaching Assistant position at Wyke Primary School, located on Deane Avenue, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4SH. This permanent part-time role comprises 32.5 hours per week, with an annual full-time equivalent salary ranging from £25,583 to £25,989, depending on experience. The actual salary for part-time employment will be pro-rated between £18,919 and £19,219 annually.

Job Purpose

The school seeks a motivated, enthusiastic, and high-quality Teaching Assistant to join a passionate team focused on supporting early childhood education. The successful candidate will contribute creativity, vision, and a genuine passion for nurturing children's learning, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning among our youngest students.

About Wyke Primary School

Our vision is to equip pupils with resilience, integrity, curiosity, and self-belief, enabling them to embrace challenges confidently throughout their lives. The school promotes a supportive environment that values collaboration, inclusion, enjoyment, and nurturing relationships.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to deliver engaging and high-quality educational experiences.
• Support early learners in building confidence and curiosity for lifelong learning.
• Foster positive relationships founded on kindness and trust within the school community.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages every child's potential.

Candidate Profile

The ideal individual will be committed to a nurturing approach, able to inspire children with creativity and vision. Strong alignment with the school's values of aspiration, collaboration, inclusion, and enjoyment is essential.

Additional Information

• Contract: Permanent part-time
• Working hours: 32.5 per week
• Salary Grade: Dorset Grade 5, pay point 4-6
• Interview Date: Thursday, 17th September 2026
• Application Deadline: Midnight, Wednesday 9th September 2026 — early closure possible if sufficient applications are received
• Number of Vacancies: 1

Why Join Pickwick Academy Trust?

Joining our Trust means becoming part of a community of 21 schools sharing expertise, training, mentoring, and professional growth pathways. We emphasize staff wellbeing with benefits such as a robust pension scheme, flexible and family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, retail discounts, flu vaccinations, eye tests, emergency salary advances, Cycle to Work Scheme, and ongoing career development.

Diversity & Inclusion

We warmly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. Reasonable adjustments are provided for those with disabilities or neurodivergent needs.

Safeguarding

Pickwick Academy Trust rigorously prioritizes child protection and requires all employees to adhere to stringent safeguarding standards. This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check and full disclosure of any criminal convictions as per legal exemptions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the official recruitment platform, not CVs or third-party websites. Applicants must provide references appropriate to their employment history, with specific guidelines regarding nominators for internal/external candidates.

Contact Details

For further information, contact Lia Amery, School Business Manager, at office@gillinghamwyke.dorset.sch.uk. Prospective candidates are welcome to visit the school by appointment.