Individual Needs Assistant (Ocklynge Junior School - South Downs Learning Trust)

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council's Ocklynge Junior School in Eastbourne seeks a Launch Pad Individual Needs Assistant to support pupils with ASD, both in the specialist provision and during their integration into mainstream classes. The role is term-time only and 32.5 hours per week.

You will help pupils develop communication, emotional regulation and independence, with comprehensive training in autism-specific approaches, safeguarding and positive handling where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEND, care, youth work, family support, mental health services, specialist education or related fields.
• Comprehensive training will be provided in autism-specific approaches, safeguarding and positive handling.
• Role suits those who enjoy building positive, trusting relationships with children, with patience and emotional resilience.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils within the Launch Pad specialist provision and during integration into mainstream classes.
• Help pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation and independence.

Job description

Hours of work: 32.5 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 31 August 2027

Ocklynge Junior School

Victoria Drive

Eastbourne

East Sussex

BN20 8XN

The Launch Pad is Ocklynge Junior School's specialist facility for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The pupils within the provision have a range of complex needs which may include differences in communication and interaction, sensory processing needs, emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, demand avoidance, social communication challenges and behaviours that can present as a response to distress.

This is a rewarding but demanding role that requires patience, resilience, adaptability and a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional needs. No two days are the same.

As a Launch Pad Individual Needs Assistant, you will support pupils both within the specialist provision and during their integration into mainstream classes. You will play a vital role in helping children develop communication skills, emotional regulation, independence, resilience and positive relationships.

The successful candidate will need to remain calm under pressure and be confident supporting pupils who may:

• Experience significant emotional dysregulation.
• Present with distressed or challenging behaviour.
• Require support following incidents of aggression towards adults or peers.
• Need assistance with transitions, routines and unexpected changes.
• Require a highly individualised approach to learning and communication.
• Need support to access mainstream lessons and wider school activities.

We are looking for someone who can build trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining clear boundaries, high expectations and a relentless belief in every child's potential.

Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided, including autism-specific approaches, behaviour support, safeguarding and positive handling where appropriate.

This role would suit someone who enjoys building positive, trusting relationships with children, demonstrates emotional resilience and can remain calm and consistent when faced with challenging situations.

The role may be particularly suited to candidates with experience in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), care, youth work, family support, mental health services, specialist education or related fields. However, relevant transferable skills, personal qualities and a willingness to learn are also important.

While highly rewarding, the role can be physically and emotionally demanding. It requires patience, consistency, emotional resilience and a reflective approach, alongside a commitment to supporting children’s individual needs, wellbeing and development.

Grade: Single Status 3, point 7 (£25,614 fte) per annum, pro rata.

Actual Salary: £19,438 gross per annum, £1619.86 gross per month

Hours: 32.50 hours per week to be worked 8.30am-3.30pm (Mon to Fri) with a 30-minute unpaid break daily.

Contract: Term time only / fixed term until August 2027 in the first instance________________________________________

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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . 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.