Teaching Assistant - Special Education Needs (SEN)

Westcourt Primary School; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing day

Career development

Great resources

Job summary

Westcourt Primary School in Gravesend is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support pupils across the primary years. You will work closely with teachers to help children learn and thrive, with a focus on those with special educational needs and other vulnerable groups.

You will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support, aid reading development, and help students stay engaged, confident and independent. Strong communication and a calm, patient approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Passionate about supporting every child to do their best.
• Kind, patient, trustworthy, enthusiastic and full of energy.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and maths).
• Able to communicate well and build warm relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Able to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
• Well organised, self-motivated and committed to professional growth.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support so pupils stay focused and participate in lessons.
• Explain tasks and break them into manageable steps to build independence.
• Support reading by listening to children read and sharing stories.
• Support positive behaviour and respond calmly during difficulties.
• Offer emotional support for social and emotional development and flag concerns to staff.
• Identify pupils needing extra support and adapt activities to meet needs.
• Prepare classrooms and resources, and create displays celebrating children's work.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Organisational skills

Confidentiality

Empathy

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C/4 or above)

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Job description

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 maths, 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 [please confirm]
• Excellent resources, vibrant learning spaces and extensive outdoor grounds