Pattern:     15 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm.
                     Term time only (38 weeks)
                     30 minute unpaid lunch each day

Salary:       Somerset Pay Spine Grade 14, £26,016 – £26,847 FTE
                     £8,800 - £9,081 (Actual salary)

Start Date: November 2026

Contract: Fixed Term for 1 year (linked to SEND & high needs funding)

Nurturing Potential. Championing Inclusion. Inspiring Every Child

Dunster First School, part of the Moorland Federation, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to work within a small, highly inclusive rural school where every child is truly known, valued and supported to thrive.

We are proud of our strong inclusive ethos and the success we have achieved in integrating pupils with Special Educational Needs into our mainstream setting. Our approach reflects the adaptive, inclusive teaching practices outlined in the Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and we are recognised for being at the forefront of this work in practice.

As a Learning Support Assistant at Dunster, you will play a key role in supporting teaching that meets the needs of all learners. In our small school environment, your support may span across key stages, offering a varied and rewarding experience with opportunities to build strong relationships across the whole school community.

We’re looking for compassionate, creative and adaptable individuals who are:

·       Passionate about supporting children to achieve their full potential academically, socially and emotionally

·       Caring, patient and able to build strong, positive relationships with children

·       Committed to inclusive practice and supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, including SEND

·       Enthusiastic, motivated and committed to helping children thrive

·       Flexible, adaptable and willing to contribute to all aspects of school life

·       Able to work effectively as part of a team while also showing initiative

·       Positive, reflective and committed to ongoing professional development

·       Supportive of the school’s values, ethos and wider Federation vision

 
This role will suit you if you have:

·       Experience working with children within a school, childcare or similar setting

·       A good understanding of child development and positive behaviour support

·       An interest in inclusive education and supporting pupils with SEND

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills

·       The ability to support learning both within the classroom and through small group or individual interventions

·       A calm, nurturing and encouraging approach

·       A willingness to learn and develop professionally

·       An appreciation of the opportunities and rewards of working within a small village school community

 
In return, we offer:

·       A collaborative, friendly team and supportive leadership, including engaged Governors who care about your success

·       The opportunity to work in a school recognised for its inclusive practice and SEND provision

·       The chance to make a meaningful difference in a school where your ideas and efforts are truly valued

·       Ongoing professional development tailored to your growth and career progression opportunities

·       An inclusive, values-driven culture that champions diversity, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging for all

·       A Federation-wide ethos of collaboration and care

At Dunster First School and within the Moorland Federation, you will find a welcoming and supportive environment where your contribution is celebrated and your wellbeing is prioritised. We are committed to helping every member of staff flourish both personally and professionally.

About Dunster First School and the Moorland Federation

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Dunster First School is a welcoming village school where children are known as individuals and supported to learn, belong and thrive. We celebrate each child’s creativity, curiosity and character, helping them build confidence and flourish both academically and personally.

Situated in the historic village of Dunster, with its magnificent castle and rich heritage, our school enjoys a distinctive setting that inspires curiosity and a strong sense of place. Our surrounding community and beautiful Exmoor landscape offer opportunities to bring learning to life, helping children connect with local history, explore their environment and discover the wider world.

We nurture the whole child through positive relationships, enriching experiences and opportunities to develop independence, resilience and compassion. Strong partnerships with families underpin our approach, ensuring children feel valued and supported as they discover their interests, develop their talents and grow as learners.

As part of the Moorland Federation, we celebrate individuality and a strong sense of community, nurturing children to grow together and learn for life as confident, compassionate citizens. We value teamwork, care deeply about wellbeing, and are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care.

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How to apply

If you’re ready to play a key role in helping our young learners grow in confidence and curiosity, we would love to hear from you.

Application Deadline:  Monday 2nd November 2026 at 9.00am.

Interview Date: Friday 6th November 2026

Further information, along with our application form can be found within the attached documents:

• Job description
• Person Specification
• SCC Application Form

To ensure a fair, consistent and robust recruitment process, and in line with our commitment to safer recruitment practices, all applicants are required to complete the SCC Application Form for all School Staff when applying for a vacancy. CVs are not accepted as part of our recruitment process and, if submitted, will not be considered.

Or contact us via email or telephone:

recruitment@moorlandfed.co.uk                 07947 994052

Safeguarding Statement

The Moorland Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must share our commitment to child protection.

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