Teaching Assistant Learning Lead (TALL) - Full-time - Special Needs Position

The Ifield School, Gravesend

• Ref:KCC886-7039-558S
• Posted:02/10/2025
• Pay:Kent Scheme C + SEN allowance pro-rata
• Start Date:November 2025
• App Close Date:10/10/2025 at 16:00
• Interviews:October 2025

Advert

We are seeking dynamic individuals to take on the role of Teaching Assistant Learning Lead (equivalent of a HLTA) from November 2025.  The Teaching Assistant Learning Lead will play a pivotal part in supporting high-quality teaching and learning across the school. This role involves leading on prepared planning and targeted support, contributing to assessment processes, and guiding a team of support staff to ensure the overall progress and wellbeing of pupils across all key stages.

Ifield School is a unique and outstanding special school for children and young people with profound, severe, and complex needs. Almost half of all our pupils have a diagnosis of autism and speech and language difficulties whilst some have complex medical needs. By joining our school cohort, you will work in a variety of environments, no two days are the same.  Some of our pupils and older students also require support and assistance with personal care. 

You will be working term time only as a Teaching Assistant Learning Lead, 31.75 hours per week.

Hours of work are Monday & Thursday 08.30 – 15.45, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 08.45 – 15.45.

The postholder is required to work for 39 weeks per year. In addition, the postholder will receive a payment in respect of their pro rata entitlement to Annual Leave appropriate to their grade, Bank Holidays and the KCC concessionary day. 

Key Responsibilities / Duties of a Teaching Assistant Learning Lead may include:

• To support the process of teaching and learning under the direction and guidance of the class/subject teacher to ensure that pupils make good or outstanding progress.
• To work as part of the school team and to support the educational, physical, emotional and social needs of the pupils.
• To be competent in leading engaging and meaningful lessons relevant to the school’s four curriculum pathways.
• Uploading photos and videos to Evidence for Learning in order to monitor pupils’ progress.
• To cover classes in the absence of a teacher using teachers’ lesson plans. A TALL may also be required to teach whole classes occasionally during the day and also for short-term absence of teachers for up to two consecutive weeks.
• To model and lead learning in a variety of different contexts, including leading a team of Teaching Assistants.

This role is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced educator to make a significant impact on both the teaching and learning experience and overall development of our school.

Information about the school

Ifield School is a Foundation co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 19 years of age with Profound, Severe and Complex learning needs, including Communication and Interaction difficulties. The majority of pupils have learning difficulties associated with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication and, in addition, some pupils have complex medical conditions.

Ifield School is federated with King’s Farm Primary School.

Ifield Nursery was established in 2007 and is based at King’s Farm Primary School. It is a joint Early Years provision for pupils aged from 2 to 5 years old. This setting enables the pupils to learn and play alongside their mainstream peers whilst formal assessments are completed and all pupils at the nursery benefit from the resources and facilities that Ifield School offers.

Ifield School has a strong collaboration with North Kent College located 1.9 miles from the school site. 16 – 19 year old students attend Ifield Sixth Form based at North Kent College. LINK stands for “Learning With Ifield and North Kent” and reflects the close working partnership that exists between Ifield School and North Kent College. Students who attend The LINK Centre have a building and resources that have been specifically tailored to support their learning and medical needs. The students follow a highly personalised curriculum within a safe and secure environment and are also able to enjoy the benefits of the college’s restaurant and library facilities. Sixth Form students focus on preparing for adulthood and securing the outcomes identified on their Education, Health and Care Plans. Many of the students leave Ifield’s Sixth Form to attend courses at other colleges of further education or to move into employment.

Ifield School initiated a Post 19 provision in September 2014 as a pilot to focus on learners working towards independence and employability, while strengthening mathematics and English skills. LINK19 College Ltd was formed in January 2018 for 19-25 year olds. LINK19 College is a separate provision to Ifield School, but cohabits the same building as Ifield’s Sixth Form.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Gemma Waghorn
• Address:Cedar Avenue, Gravesend , Kent, DA12 5JT
• Telephone: 01474 365485
• Email: gwaghorn@ifield.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• TALL Job Description