Teaching Assistant (32.5 Hours Per Week) - Term Time - Special Needs Position

Aspire School, Sittingbourne

• Ref:KCC886-7005-103S
• Posted:03/03/2026
• Pay:£18,821 pro rata (£24,581 FTE) +SEN allowance
• Start Date:April 2026
• App Close Date:20/03/2026 at 23:45
• Interviews:Monday 30th March 2026

Advert

We are offering a rare opportunity to join a purpose-built environment designed for our children who have additional needs including autism and speech and language.

At Aspire School, we believe that education should be both personalised and aspirational for every learner. We are seeking an experienced and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. This role involves providing support for pupils with unique and individual needs. The student demonstrates high academic ability but requires additional emotional support to thrive. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable, proactive, and highly observant, with a genuine passion for nurturing and supporting individual pupils.

If you have the relevant experience and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in a child’s educational journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This is a temporary appointment (initially a 1 year contract with a view to extend) term time only contract (38 weeks per year plus 5 training days), 32.5 hours per week, 8.30 until 15.30 Monday to Friday. 

You will be our desirable candidate if:

• You have experience in supporting children with SEN;
• You have previously supported pupils with anxiety;
• You have previous experience or training in de-escalation and/or positive behaviour support.
• You are an understanding and resilient person;
• You thrive working in a friendly team with like-minded people;
• You have a positive sense of humour and attitude;
• You are a clear communicator with adults and children;
• You are a positive role model to all;

In return, we can offer you:

• A friendly and supportive team;
• Opportunities for progression and development through training, coaching and mentoring;
• A healthy work-life balance;
• An inclusive environment where you feel valued;
• A supportive leadership team.
• Excellent pension scheme
• Counseling Service
• Health Cashplan (after 6 months)
• Free parking
• Discounted breakfast and after school club for your child (if your child attends one of our trust schools)

If you are experienced, enthusiastic and adaptable and have the passion to bring out and nurture the individual talents in our pupils, aged 4 -11 with ASD and speech and language needs, please do complete an application form.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview and observation at the school.

Aspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare for all children and preventing extremism. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches for publicly available information.

CVs will only be accepted when accompanied by a fully completed online application form. No agencies please.

In cases where we receive a high volume of applications for a post, we may bring the closing date forward. We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Information about the school

Aspire School is a special free school in Sittingbourne for children aged from 4 to 11 years; opened in September 2020. The school provides 168 places for pupils with autism and speech and language needs. Aspire School will provide exceptional specialist teaching from a team of specialist teachers, teaching assistants and other professionals. The new premises have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the children and will include therapy rooms, a high tech sensory room, soft play and a swing room. The curriculum will reflect the individual needs of the pupils and will offer opportunities for academic learning and the development of communication, life skills and personalised targets.

Job Contact Information

• Name:HR
• Address:Vellum Drive, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 5DA
• Telephone: 01795 477417
• Email: Aspire.recruitment@ba-mat.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description