Teaching Assistant - Term Time - Special Needs Position

The Orchard School, Canterbury

• Ref:KCC886-7062-263S
• Posted:17/06/2025
• Pay:KSB + SEN Allowance
• Start Date:September 2025
• App Close Date:30/06/2025 at 09:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

At The Orchard School, our mission is simple: Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares. We are a nurturing and inclusive SEMH special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils. Our therapeutic approach recognises behaviour as communication, prioritises relationships, and celebrates every child’s individuality and potential.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide individualised support—emotionally, academically, and socially—helping the pupil feel safe, valued and ready to learn
• Work closely with the class teacher, therapeutic staff, and SEN team to implement strategies that reflect the pupil’s needs and strengths
• Adapt learning materials and approaches to support communication, regulation and engagement
• Champion The Orchard Way—Trust, Belonging, Aspiration, Voice, Pride and Curiosity—through every interaction
• Apply Therapeutic Thinking in your practice, using relational, reflective, and restorative strategies to build trust and promote wellbeing
• Be an active part of a caring, skilled team where relationships come first and progress is always possible

What We’re Looking For:

• A nurturing individual with a calm, thoughtful approach
• Experience of working with pupils with SEMH or additional needs (preferred)
• The ability to listen deeply, respond with empathy, and work consistently to build trust
• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade A*-C
• A willingness to learn, reflect and grow within a supportive team
• A shared commitment to Ready – Respectful – Safe, our whole-school approach to behaviour and belonging

Why Join Us?

• A team committed to positive relationships and therapeutic practice
• Access to high-quality CPD, including Therapeutic Thinking training and reflective supervision
• An opportunity to change lives—one relationship, one success, one step at a time
• A vibrant, inclusive school culture guided by care, connection and curiosity

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school to see The Orchard Way in action.

To Apply:
Please complete the application form, clearly outlining your relevant experience and your motivation for applying. CVs are not required.

Please note: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Information about the school

The Orchard School is a cross-phase special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, often alongside associated learning difficulties.

We are proud to be a therapeutic and inclusive school community, guided by The Orchard Way, where relationships come first, behaviour is understood as communication, and every pupil is supported to grow and thrive.

At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. Our Mission, Vision and Values are at the heart of everything we do—shaping our approach to learning, support and personal development. We are committed to nurturing pupils’ social, emotional and mental health through trust, belonging, aspiration, voice, pride and curiosity.

Our pupils come from across East Kent and beyond. They are supported by a dedicated team who work closely with families, professionals and each other to ensure every learner feels safe, valued and empowered to succeed.

We are on an exciting journey of continuous improvement. Join us as we grow together—through compassion, clarity and purpose.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Cherith Stibbe
• Address:Cambridge Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3QQ
• Telephone: 01227 769220
• Email: cstibbe@orchard.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01227 781589

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description
• Person Specification