SRP Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) - Part-time

The Downs CofE Primary School, Deal

• Ref:KCC886-3163-111S
• Posted:06/06/2026
• Pay:KSB
• Start Date:1st September 2026
• App Close Date:03/07/2026 at 08:00
• Interviews:Wednesday 8th July 2026

Advert

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) to join our Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) supporting pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Salary: KSB (Full Time Equivalent £26,822)

Hours: 27.5 hours per week, Term Time Only

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: 1st September 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly supportive team, helping children overcome barriers to learning and thrive both academically and socially.

Working closely with the Lead SRP Teacher, SENCo and wider school staff, the successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality provision for pupils accessing the SRP and mainstream classroom environments. You will help pupils develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours while ensuring they are fully included in school life.

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has experience of supporting children with SEND, particularly pupils with ASD and/or SLCN
• Is patient, calm, nurturing and passionate about helping children succeed
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills and enjoys working as part of a team
• Can build positive relationships with children, families and professionals
• Is committed to inclusion and ensuring all pupils can access learning and wider opportunities
• Holds GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

The following would be desirable:

• A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or willingness to undertake training)
• Experience of communication approaches such as Makaton, PECS, visual timetables or sensory supports
• Knowledge of SEND interventions and therapeutic approaches
• First Aid training or experience supporting children with medical needs

At The Downs CE Primary School, we can offer:

• A welcoming, caring and supportive school community rooted in Christian values
• Enthusiastic children who are eager to learn
• A dedicated and experienced staff team
• High-quality professional development opportunities, including SEND-specific training
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to children’s lives

We warmly welcome visits to the school and encourage prospective applicants to come and see our caring and inclusive environment in action.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office on 01304 372486 or email secretary@downs.kent.sch.uk

The Downs CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Information about the school

About us:

The Downs CEP School is located in Kent in the UK. We have wonderful children and a fantastic team of staff who all work together to try and make learning fun!

We are very lucky to have lots of fantastic facilities for our children, including unique learning opportunities through our ‘enhanced curriculum’.

Children can explore the different areas within the school, harvest crops from the allotment, look after the animals or spend time at the wildlife pond.

We are proud of the wonderful children that attend our school and are passionate about offering them experiences that they will take with them throughout their lives.

Vision Statement:

Jesus said:  “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see.” Matthew’s Gospel 5: 14 – 16

At The Downs Church of England Primary School, we envision a community where every individual is empowered to radiate with God's light. Jesus said ‘you are the light of the world’. We are dedicated to enabling all children to recognize and share the inherent goodness within themselves. Our school, symbolised by the Lighthouse, embodies the beacon of our faith. With unwavering aspirations, a nurturing atmosphere, and bespoke approaches, we embrace the philosophy that Nothing Is Impossible, fostering an environment where all can thrive and flourish.

DEALT

In April 2019, The Downs CEP School became a founding member of the Deal Education Learning Alliance Trust (DEALT) which is a MAT comprised of nine local primary schools within Deal and the surrounding villages. This unique and exciting collaboration of local schools work together to ensure the very best outcomes for all pupils and their families within our town.

Members of DEALT:

• Northbourne Church of England Primary School • The Downs Church of England Primary School • Kingsdown and Ringwould Church of England Primary School • Deal Parochial Church of England Primary School • Sholden Church of England Primary School • Hornbeam Primary School • Sandown School • Worth Primary School

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Deal Education Alliance For Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We may conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires an Enhanced DBS check with barred list information.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Natalie Luxford
• Address:Owen Square, Deal, Kent, CT14 0LP
• Telephone: 01304 372486
• Email: secretary@downs.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description and Person Specification
• Application Information Pack