Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Teaching Assistant - Progress Engagement Guide (PEG) SEMH School, ages 7 to 11

Contract type: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Salary: £19,000

Contract term: Permanent

Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Start Date: May 2025

Location: ISP School Whitstable, Whitstable

Are you a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant with a deep understanding of early years frameworks and curriculum development? Do you thrive in a nurturing and specialized educational environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our small and supportive team. You will play a crucial role in providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for our children. Working with children who often present with challenging behaviours, you will help them feel included within the school community and attend regularly.

About Us:

ISP Whitstable is a small, specialized SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Primary school provision dedicated to supporting children with complex needs and challenging behaviours. Our school is a safe and nurturing environment where well-trained, supportive staff use therapeutic and holistic approaches to provide an engaging and inspiring learning experience tailored to each child's individual journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Dedicated to mentoring and supporting one pupil or a small group
• Support the delivery of engaging and effective lessons in line with early years frameworks and curriculum development.
• Building positive relationships with your children and driving interaction and positive learning outcomes.
• Reporting on children' progress and concerns and liaising with other school staff to ensure children' needs are met.
• Supervision of children during non-classroom time, including extra-curricular activities and school trips.
• Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Setting work where appropriate and marking.
• Implement attachment and trauma-informed strategies to support children' social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Participate in school events, extracurricular activities, and staff meetings as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• A relevant qualification in education or a related field (e.g., Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma).
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of early years frameworks and curriculum development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children with complex needs.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A proactive and flexible approach to work.

What we offer

• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by ISP School Whitstable.

ISP School Whitstable is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

ISP School Whitstable is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.