Bilingual Teaching Assistant (Dari/Pashto)

Salary:£29,064 - £31,022 Pro rata

Hours per week:33 hours

Temporary/Fixed term:16 months

Interview date:Friday 27 March 2026

Education and Skills - Building Bright Futures

Are you fluent in Dari and Pashto? Are you passionate about supporting students in their language and cultural development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

In this position, you will play a pivotal role in supporting students who are on the path to mastering English as an additional language (EAL), with Dari or Pashto as their first language. Your contributions will be instrumental in helping these students navigate the national curriculum successfully, ensuring they thrive throughout their educational journey.

This role offers 33 hours per week, until July 2027. It follows the academic calendar, allowing you to work during school term periods and enjoy well-deserved school holidays. You may find yourself working in various schools across Wiltshire and we are open to the possibility of a job-share arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Provide invaluable language support to Dari and Pashto-speaking students, aiding them in improving their English language skills.
• Support initial language assessments to identify areas where students may require additional support.
• Serve as a cultural guide, offering insights to school staff on how to address the unique needs of students from Afghanistan.
• Facilitate connections between students' homes and the school environment to enhance parental involvement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of the English education system and an understanding of language development in EAL students.
• Strong communication skills in English.
• Fluency in Dari and Pashto.
• Familiarity with the cultural background and specific needs of Afghan children.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. That's why we focus on getting the things that matter to our people right.

Explore more benefits here!

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply as well as Our Identity.

The council is committed to creating an environment of positive working relationships where everyone feels engaged, supported and able to thrive. Our Identity is a framework which sets out how we are all expected to lead, work and act to deliver our services. We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect which is underpinned by our vision and Our Identity framework.

For more details, contact Pamela Voss, EMTAS Manager via email here.

This role may be subject to certain successful security checks; please see the role description for more information.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. Read our statement of commitment to equality and inclusion.

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Please ensure to regularly check your spam/junk folder for any communication from us regarding your application status. We wouldn't want you to miss out on any important updates or interview invitations. Thank you!