Engagement Support Assistant

The Kemnal Academies Trust; Tilgate; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24/7 Confidential Counselling

Family-Friendly Policies

Flexible Working

Blue Light Card Access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous Pension

Job summary

The Kemnal Academies Trust seeks an Engagement Support Assistant for Thomas Bennett Community College in Tilgate, United Kingdom. You will help pupils engage with learning, support social inclusion, and collaborate with staff to break down barriers to progress.

The role emphasises relationship-building, empathy, and behavioural support, with opportunities to work with families and external agencies. A proactive, patient approach and First Aid readiness are valued.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or equivalent.
• First Aid training (or willing to complete).

Responsibilities

• Builds warm, positive, and respectful relationships with pupils, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Plans and delivers targeted group-based interventions and mentoring programmes.
• Supports pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs and helps manage conflict using restorative approaches.
• Works with teachers and Inclusion Lead to implement individual learning plans.

Skills

Relationship building

Empathy

Behaviour support

Communication

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C)

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated Engagement Support Assistant who brings energy, heart, and purpose to our team at Thomas Bennett Community College, someone ready to inspire and empower our pupils every single day.

In our Trust, an Engagement Support Assistant is far more than classroom support; you are a key architect in building a child's confidence, independence, and social inclusion. We are seeking an empathetic, proactive team player who can help break down barriers to learning, supporting pupils facing difficulties related to social, emotional, personal, or behavioural factors, and create an environment where every child feels supported to fully engage with lessons and make outstanding progress.

Whether you have experience managing challenging behaviour, supporting pupils with SEND, or working directly with families, your talent will be valued here. In our community, support staff are vital partners in driving educational standards and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let's unlock potential, reduce barriers, and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Engagement Support Assistant will be someone who:

• Builds warm, positive, and respectful relationships with pupils, parents/carers, and colleagues.
• Is patient, adaptable, and skilled in managing and supporting young people with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
• Works collaboratively with class teachers, the Inclusion Lead, and external agencies to devise and implement individual learning plans.
• Confidently plans and delivers targeted group-based interventions, mentoring programmes, and structured activities during unstructured times.
• Helps students manage and resolve conflict using restorative and supportive strategies.
• Models good levels of literacy and numeracy and supports pupils to build resilience and positive behaviour for learning.
• Is dedicated to outreach and supporting family engagement to help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Holds GCSE Grade 4 (Grade C) or equivalent in English and Maths, with First Aid training (or a willingness to complete it).

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it's our priority.

As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

• Exceptional development: Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role, including networking with other Learning Mentors across the Trust to share good practice.
• Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills, with clear routes toward Higher Level Teaching Assistant status (HLTA) or qualified teacher training (QTS) if desired.
• 24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, please visit our website or contact our Inclusion Lead to discuss the role further.

About Kemnal Academies Trust:

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working - Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work.

We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK's premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.