Individual Needs Assistant (Park Mead School)

East Sussex County Council; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

Park Mead Primary School in Hailsham, part of East Sussex County Council, seeks an INA to support pupils with EHCPs, including those with visual impairment. Training in VI support is provided, and ICT competence is required to adapt resources. The role may be split into two shifts and works during term time with pro‑rata salary.

You will work with teachers and the SENCO to create a safe, stimulating environment and manage behaviour to help pupils engage with learning.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting children with EHCPs and VI is advantageous.
• Knowledge of braille and literacy support is a plus.
• Willingness to engage in training to support VI pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support class teachers and the SENCO to provide a safe, stimulating environment.
• Assist in preparing, modifying, and adapting resources under guidance of VI specialists.
• Help manage pupil behaviour and engage pupils in learning during lessons.

Skills

Support children with EHCPs

Visual impairment support

ICT skills

Patience and empathy

Tools

ICT competency

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Hours of work: 32.25 hours per week

Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)

(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Fixed term: Until 31 July 2027

Closing date: 12:00pm, Monday 05 October 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Park Mead Primary School

Park Mead School, Michelham Priory Rd, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QP

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: The Pioneer Federation

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Park Mead are looking to appoint a self motivated and caring person to support a number of children with EHCPs across the school including those with visual impairment (VI). Willingness to engage in training to support VI pupils is essential alongside ICT competency in order to support the preparation, modification, and adaption of resources under the guidance of the class teacher(s) and VI specialist(s). Experience in supporting children with visual impairment or knowledge of braille and children with literacy difficulties would be an advantage but full training will be given.

This role could be split into 2 separate roles (am/pm) if the appropriate candidate applies.

We are looking for a gifted INA to join our school team. Alongside all our support staff you should have a passion for learning, be highly motivated, work well as part of a small team and be committed to engaging with pupils in a positive, calm and caring way. You will be working alongside and supporting the class teacher and SENCO to ensure a safe, stimulating and caring environment for the pupils you are supporting. You will have high expectations of the students within your care, manage behaviour effectively and ensure a productive and safe learning environment.

You will be patient, empathetic and with a want to support vulnerable children.

In return we offer:

• continued personal development and training
• the opportunity to develop your career in a successful, forward thinking school
• keen, eager pupils who enjoy their learning
• a vibrant and exciting environment with supportive colleagues

Experience of working with pupils with SEND would be beneficial. A current First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Certificate would be useful.

Informal visits/conversations are welcomed.

Interviews: To be announced

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Additional Information

This authority 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 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.