Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Swale Academies Trust; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Peacehaven Community School is seeking an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant for maternity cover at Swale Academies Trust. The role is 30 hours per week and starts in December 2026, with interviews scheduled for 26 November 2026.

This position runs until November 2027, supporting students to achieve meaningful outcomes and maintaining an inclusive, caring learning environment. We encourage applicants who are dynamic and able to motivate learners.

Job description

• Term Time
• Start Date: December 2026

Peacehaven Community School

30 hours per week

Maternity Cover

December 2026 start

Interviews: 26 th November 2026

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, inspirational and experienced Teaching Assistant (maternity cover, until November 2027).

Candidates will be talented, dynamic and will challenge and motivate our students to get the very best meaningful outcomes.

Please note that interviews may be held prior to the application closing date.

At this stage agencies need not apply.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Join us to benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
• Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
• Access to training and development
• On-site Parking
• Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme

Data Privacy Notice:

By applying for this position, you agree to Swale Academies Trust processing and storing your personal data for recruitment purposes. Candidate data will be stored securely for 6 months following the completion of the recruitment process, after which it will be permanently deleted. If you would like us to delete your details sooner, or to view our full Privacy Policy, please contact us at [e-mail]

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Joining our team

Peacehaven Community School is a research-engaged, innovative educational institution within the Swale Academies Trust, dedicated to providing an exceptional learning experience for our students. We are delighted that you are considering joining our talented team of teachers, leaders and support staff. At PCS, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment, where every staff member can thrive and contribute to our shared mission of nurturing the potential of every student. We are a fully inclusive school with a special facility for students with SCLN and ASC and we believe that all students, irrespective of their starting points, can flourish. Our nurturing and challenging learning environment transforms lives and empowers our students to aspire, believe, contribute, and achieve greatness.

Why choose Peacehaven Community School?

• Excellent Working Conditions: At Peacehaven Community School, we use quantitative measurements of working conditions and research on teacher motivation to optimise our teachers’ working environment and identify areas that have the greatest impact on teacher wellbeing. By focusing on data-driven insights, we maximise teacher efficiency and foster a positive workplace.
• Career Opportunities: We understand the correlation between job satisfaction and career progression (Sims, 2018). As such, we provide every staff member, regardless of role, with bespoke career development opportunities. Being part of the Swale Academies Trust enables us to offer an even greater range of opportunities, as we regularly offer promotions across schools for the benefit of our teachers and students.
• Supportive Leadership: Our warm, welcoming, and evidence-informed leadership team recognises the crucial role leadership quality plays in teacher job satisfaction. By living our values every day, we provide unwavering support to our teachers.
• Collaborative Staff Community: Our systems and structures ensure staff members have regular opportunities to engage with their department and colleagues from other departments, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
• Professional Learning and Development: Our evidence-based CPD programme, recognised as a best practice example at national conferences, is integrated with flexible working arrangements to give staff autonomy over their time and support their professional growth.
• Research-Engaged School: We pride ourselves on our evidence-based approach to education, where we are publishing research to support others to better understand research engagement in schools. By joining our team, you will be part of a school that values objectivity and actively engages in educational research.
• Ideal Location: Peacehaven Community School is situated just a 10-minute walk from the seafront, a 15-minute drive from Brighton and is surrounded by the South Downs, offering an excellent local environment for our staff.
• Outstanding Facilities: Built in 2001, our school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources for staff and students. With an on-site leisure centre, our teachers enjoy access to excellent amenities for their well-being and work-life balance