
Teaching Assistants - Skills Centre, Post 16 Campus, Parkstone
BCP Salary Band 5 (£20,122 - £22,190) – appointments will be made at the starting point of the salary range. The salary shown is pro-rated based on a 30-hour working week from the full-time equivalent.
30 hours per week (8.45 a.m.-3.30 p.m.), 39 weeks per year (term time only + inset days). Consideration will be given to lesser hours per week, but we ask that applicants commit to a minimum of 2 full days (12 hours).
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
We are excited to advertise for Teaching Assistants to support our Post 16 provision in Parkstone, Poole.
The Skills Centre in Parkstone is one of Linwood School’s specialist provisions for students aged 16 -19 years. The focus within the Skills Centre is to develop skills and qualities that prepare students for adulthood. Students are encouraged and enabled to make choices, express preferences, and make decisions. Students are supported to develop their employability and independence skills. The curriculum offer includes practical activities both within the Skills Centre and within the local and wider community.
The role is subject to a 6-month mandatory probation during which there is an expectation that Teaching Assistants attend on-site Monday after school training sessions to enhance their work in school and their skill levels. A list of training dates and topics is provided upon commencement.
For further information about our school and the different needs of our students, please refer to our website where you will find information about each of our campuses: www.linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk
Linwood School offers career progression opportunities for Teaching Assistants wishing to enhance their skills further in an education setting, leading to Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant followed by Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. Some of our Teaching Assistants have gone on to become qualified teachers.
In addition to the benefits provided by BCP Council, Linwood School also provides:
For any enquiries regarding your application please contact the HR Department on 01202 636811 or email recruitment@linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk
Commitment to Diversity
At Linwood School, we take pride in being an equal opportunities employer that champions a diverse workforce. We actively seek and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, recognising that a rich tapestry of experiences enhances our ability to support our diverse student population. Our commitment to diversity not only fosters a sense of belonging but also strengthens the learning environment for everyone involved.
Safeguarding Commitment
Linwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and an overseas criminal record check if they have lived or worked outside the UK in the past 10 years. Employment offers are also subject to satisfactory references, health assessments, and right-to-work checks. All Linwood School staff are expected to adhere to our policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding and child protection, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Guidance for adults working with children and young people in an education setting.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and its amendments. If the role is exempt, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed, and if they are disclosed, we cannot take them into account.

Linwood School is an ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted January 2025) multi-campus, day special school for children and young people aged 3 – 19. Our students have a wide range of special educational needs including moderate (MLD), severe (SLD) and profound (PMLD) and complex learning difficulties (CLDD) as well as those on the Autism spectrum. We offer a variety of curriculum pathways to meet those needs and ensure that all our children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes.