Teaching Assistant & Midday Meals Supervisor

University of Brighton Academies Trust; Lindfield; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Lindfield is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to support classroom activities and promote the personal development of all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The role involves working closely with teachers and providing one-on-one support to students. Candidates should have Maths and English GCSEs and be confident in supervising children. The position offers term-time hours and a starting salary of £16,890 per annum.

Benefits

Automatic annual pay increments

Generous Pension: Employer contribution rate of 22.7%

25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays

Commitment to health and wellbeing

Personal Development Day annually

Access to counselling services

Cycle-to-work programme

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a classroom setting is desirable.
• Ability to support children with special educational needs.
• Enthusiastic approach to teaching and learning.

Responsibilities

• Support the Teacher in planning and delivery of learning.
• Implement behaviour management strategies consistently.
• Provide one-to-one support to students.
• Motivate and encourage students in their learning.

Skills

Experience of establishing positive relationships with students

Knowledge of SEN

Patient

Confident in supervising children

Education

Maths and English GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent

Job description

Working Pattern: Term time only (38 weeks)

Hours: 25 hours Teaching Assistant + 5 hours Midday Meals Supervisor, 8:45am-3:15pm Monday - Friday

Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £16,890 per annum

Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Job Description: Are you calm, confident and have the skills to support classroom activities safely? Are you able to create a positive learning environment? Can you support the smooth running of the Midday Meals? We are an award winning academy who are now recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join us on a permanent basis.

The role of Teaching Assistant is crucial in promoting the learning and personal development of all pupils; including but not exclusively, those with special education needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing support to the Teacher in the planning, delivery and evaluation of learning activities
• Consistently and effectively implementing agreed behaviour management strategies
• Working 1-2-1 as required to support students access learning within the classroom environment
• Motivating and encouraging students by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks

We are seeking candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Experience of establishing positive relationships with students (desirable)
• Knowledge of SEN (desirable)
• Maths and English GCSE Grade A- C or equivalent
• Confident in supervising children during activities indoors and outdoors
• Patient, calm and relaxed with an enthusiastic approach to learning

Blackthorns is a vibrant primary academy in the beautiful village of Lindfield, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. We currently have 210 pupils on-roll in our 7 classes, with one class in every year.

Our Benefits:

• Automatic annual pay increments
• Generous Pension: Employer contribution rate of 22.7%
• Holiday Entitlement: 25 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays
• Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing
• Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services
• Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme
• Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We welcome applications from all members of the community. The Trust is proud to be part of the government’s Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices.

How to Apply:
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Caroline Newton, Academy Business Manager - [e-mail]

Key Dates:
Closing date: 12 October 2025
Interview date: TBC
Proposed start date: November 2025