Teaching Assistant/Individual Needs Assistant SEN Experienced (Polegate School)

Hours of work: 25 per week.

Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave).

As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata.
Fixed term until: 22.07.2027.

Closing date: Thursday 15 October, 2026.
Interview date: Monday 19 October, 2026.

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

• Polegate School
• Oakleaf Drive
• Polegate
• BN26 6PT
• Phone: 01323 482404
• Email: office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk 
• Website: Polegate School
• Please note, we do not accept CVs.

We are seeking a caring, experienced and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant / Individual Needs Assistant to support pupils with Special Educational Needs. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping children access learning, develop independence and achieve their full potential within a supportive and inclusive school environment. 

This is a fixed-term position until 22/10/2027. The contract may be extended depending on the needs of the school and available funding. 

Your key responsibilities will be

• Provide individual and small group support for pupils with SEN.
• Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and participating fully in school life.
• Implement and monitor strategies identified in EHCPs, support plans and guidance from teaching staff.
• Promote pupils' social, emotional and behavioural development.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCO and external professionals to support pupil progress.
• Adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Assist with personal care and medical needs where required.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, providing feedback to teaching staff.
• Support the safeguarding and welfare of all children.

You will have

• GCSE Maths and English Grade A-C (or equivalent).
• Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents/carers.
• Experience of working within a school environment or with children and young people, particularly those with additional needs.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and use your own initiative when required.
• A patient, flexible and nurturing approach.
• A commitment to inclusion and supporting children to succeed.

Polegate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

To request an application pack and job description, please contact Monika Bailey at office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk 

Join our dedicated team and help make a positive difference to the lives of our children every day.

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.