Teaching Assistant - Special Education Needs (SEN)

The Primary First Trust Limited; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

This fixed-term, part-time role involves 30 hours per week over 39 weeks (paid for 44.45 weeks). The position runs until 20 July 2027, with a closing date of 15 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE 4/C or above).
• Able to communicate well and build warm relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support so pupils stay focused and able to participate in lessons.
• Explain tasks clearly and break them into manageable steps to foster independence.
• Support reading by listening to children read, reading aloud, and sharing stories.
• Promote positive behaviour and respond calmly to challenges.
• Offer emotional support to aid social and emotional development and report concerns.

Skills

Literacy

Numeracy

Communication

Patience

Confidentiality

Education

GCSE English/Maths 4/C

Level 3 Teaching Assistant (or equivalent)

Job description

Location

Gravesend, Kent, DA12 4JG

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Contract Term

Part-Time

Salary

£18,525.00 annually (actual) – FTE £26,799; Working 39 weeks and paid for 44.45 weeks

Hours Per Week

30

Fixed Term End Date

Tuesday, 20th July 2027

Closing Date

Midnight, Thursday, 15th October 2026

About this Role

Learn, Aspire, Achieve

Do you want to make a real difference to children's lives every day Westcourt is a happy, caring school where the success of every child matters, and we're looking for a Teaching Assistant who shares that belief.

We serve children from Nursery to Year 6 in Gravesend. We have extensive grounds, OPAL playtimes, a strong focus on wellbeing and mental health, and a staff team that knows and values every child.

The Role

You will work closely with Teachers and support staff to help every pupil learn and thrive, especially those with special educational needs and other vulnerable groups. You will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support so pupils stay focused, engaged and able to take part in lessons.
• Help pupils become confident, independent learners by explaining tasks and breaking them into manageable steps.
• Support reading by listening to children read, reading to them and sharing stories.
• Support positive behaviour and respond calmly and consistently when children find things difficult.
• Offer emotional support that helps children's social and emotional development and share any concerns with the right staff.
• Help identify pupils who may need extra support and help adapt activities to meet their needs.
• Prepare classrooms and resources and create displays that celebrate children's work.

About You

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Are passionate about making sure every child is supported to do their best.
• Are kind, patient, trustworthy, enthusiastic and full of energy.
• Have good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent).
• Communicate well, and can build warm, appropriate relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Can adapt your approach to meet children's individual needs.
• Are well organised, self-motivated and committed to developing your own practice.
• Can maintain confidentiality and a high level of professionalism.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children in a primary setting, including pupils with SEND or social, emotional and mental health needs.
• A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent.

What We Offer

• Happy, motivated children who are keen to learn.
• A dedicated, professional and supportive staff team.
• An ambitious leadership team committed to professional learning.
• Training and career development across The Primary First Trust's 10 schools in Bexley, Gravesham and Medway.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, including a paid staff wellbeing day each year.
• Excellent resources, vibrant learning spaces and extensive outdoor grounds.

Visit

You are very welcome to visit before applying. Visits are informal and do not form part of the selection process.

Safer Recruitment, Inclusive and Diversity

The Primary First Trust is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff members and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Trust will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance, health clearance, social media checks, a probationary period and satisfactory references.

The Trust strives to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone feels able to be themselves and to experience a strong sense of belonging.

The Trust wholeheartedly supports the principle of equality and diversity in employment. It opposes all forms of unfair or unlawful discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sex. We encourage and support the recruitment, retention, and career development of people from ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds from as wide a range as possible, and we seek to develop a community of staff that accurately represents society as a whole.

All applications for employment with the Trust will be considered against the criteria outlined in the person specification for the position advertised.