Individual Needs Assistant (Gildredge House)

Gildredge House; Wealden; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS Pension Scheme

On-site parking

Two-week Autumn Term break

Induction programme

Regular CPD opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Complimentary tea and coffee in staff'

Staff parking

Job summary

Gildredge House in East Sussex is seeking an enthusiastic Individual Needs Assistant to support a Key Stage 2 pupil with language and social development. The role is part-time/term-time only, with a 35-hour week structure across the school day, and is offered on a fixed-term basis until August 2027.

You will work closely with teachers and support staff to promote confidence, communication and independence, with training provided in SLCN, AAC approaches, and targeted interventions.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting students with additional needs in a classroom.
• Able to use or willing to learn communication strategies (visual supports, PECS, or communication aids).
• Patient, nurturing approach and a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support a KS2 pupil with language and social development across EYFS and KS2.
• Build positive relationships and help students access learning in class.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to promote inclusion and independence.

Job description

Individual Needs Assistant (Gildredge House)

East Sussex County Council View all jobs

• East Sussex
• Temporary
• Part-time

10 hours ago

Job Details

Job Category: Education

Job Description:

• Hours of work: 35 Hours
• Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only etc.
• (As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)
• Fixed term: Until August 2027
• Closing date: Friday 25 September 2026

Interview Questions:

• Do you want to make a meaningful difference for a pupil with high communication and interaction needs, where your contribution is recognised and valued?
• Would you enjoy supporting a child with complex communication needs to access learning and achieve their full potential?
• Do you have experience of working with pupils who require tailored communication approaches within the classroom?
• Are you skilled in using or willing to develop alternative and augmentative communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, or communication aids)?
• Do you have a patient, nurturing approach and a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships to support engagement and independence?

Role Description:

We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and adaptable Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to support a student in Key Stage 2 who is developing their language and social skills, whilst also playing an important role within our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classrooms. This varied position is currently split across the school day, requiring someone who can build positive relationships, provide targeted support to help students access learning, and contribute to a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. The successful candidate will be patient, creative and committed to helping every child thrive, working closely with teachers and support staff to promote confidence, communication and independence across both age phases.

Experience of supporting students with additional needs and/or working within EYFS would be advantageous, although training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have previous knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Experience of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and/or social communication difficulties within a classroom setting
• Ability to use or willingness to learn a range of communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, Makaton, communication aids) to support understanding and expression
• Experience of delivering or supporting targeted interventions (e.g. Speech Link, Language Link, or similar communication programmes)
• Understanding of how to adapt the learning environment and interactions to meet individual communication and interaction needs
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including training from Speech and Language Therapy and specialist communication support teams

About Gildredge House:

At Gildredge House each individual is known and valued. Students are inspired to discover their passions and realise their academic potential. You will join a strong team of inspirational Teachers and Teaching Assistants in an exciting environment where learning is fun. If you are an imaginative and dynamic practitioner - with the capability of engaging and enthusing all students and the belief that everyone can succeed - we want to hear from you.

Gildredge House offers:

• Continuity of education for students aged 4+
• An expectation of high academic standards and ready to learn behaviours
• Excellent pastoral care
• A range of extra-curricular activities
• Parent and community involvement
• A positive team ethos

Employee Benefits:

• A two-week break in the Autumn Term, allowing for holidays to be taken out of peak season.
• A supportive induction programme for new staff to the school
• Investment in your career development through appropriate, regular CPD
• Support and mentoring by a strong Senior Leadership Team and other experienced leaders
• Access to a full employee assistance programme, in support of wellbeing
• TPS Pension Scheme
• Complimentary tea and coffee in our staffroom
• On-site parking

About Us:

Additional Information

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

#s1-Gen

• Would you enjoy supporting a child with complex communication needs to access learning and achieve their full potential?
• Do you have experience of working with pupils who require tailored communication approaches within the classroom?
• Are you skilled in using or willing to develop alternative and augmentative communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, or communication aids)?
• Do you have a patient, nurturing approach and a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships to support engagement and independence
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and adaptable Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to support a student in Key Stage 2 who is developing their language and social skills, whilst also playing an important role within our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classrooms. This varied position is currently split across the school day, requiring someone who can build positive relationships, provide targeted support to help students access learning, and contribute to a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. The successful candidate will be patient, creative and committed to helping every child thrive, working closely with teachers and support staff to promote confidence, communication and independence across both age phases. Experience of supporting students with additional needs and/or working within EYFS would be advantageous, although training and support will be provided for the right candidate. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have previous knowledge and experience in the following areas:
• Experience of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and/or social communication difficulties within a classroom setting
• Ability to use or willingness to learn a range of communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, Makaton, communication aids) to support understanding and expression
• Experience of delivering or supporting targeted interventions (e.g. Speech Link, Language Link, or similar communication programmes)
• Understanding of how to adapt the learning environment and interactions to meet individual communication and interaction needs
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including training from Speech and Language Therapy and specialist communication support teams
• At Gildredge House each individual is known and valued. Students are inspired to discover their passions and realise their academic potential. You will join a strong team of inspirational Teachers and Teaching Assistants in an exciting environment where learning is fun. If you are an imaginative and dynamic practitioner - with the
capability of engaging and enthusing all students and the belief that everyone can succeed - we want to hear from you Gildredge House offers:
• continuity of education for students aged 4+
• an expectation of high academic standards and ready to learn behaviours
• excellent pastoral care
• a range of extra-curricular activities
• parent and community involvement
• a positive team ethos
As an employee of the school, you would benefit from:
• A two-week break in the Autumn Term, allowing for holidays to be taken out of peak season.
• A supportive induction programme for new staff to the school
• Investment in your career development through appropriate, regular CPD
• Support and mentoring by a strong Senior Leadership Team and other experienced leaders
• Access to a full employee assistance programme, in support of wellbeing
• TPS Pension Scheme
• Complimentary tea and coffee in our staffroom
• On-site parking