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

Aspire School, Sittingbourne

• Ref:KCC886-7005-104S
• 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

At Aspire school, we believe that learning needs to be individual for all and aspirational for everyone.

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our team to support a cohort of pupils with specific needs around their social and emotional understanding. The approach used with these pupils allows for a bespoke therapeutic curriculum, where no two days will ever feel the same.

These pupils receive targeted input, from a range of professionals to support with their Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. You will join this team of professionals in facilitating that input and delivering a positive social and academic experience for all those in your care.

The children you will be working with are in the Aspire 2 pathway. This means that alongside a bespoke curriculum, dynamic approaches to learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation will all need to be applied.

To apply you will need to have the following:

• Experience in supporting children with SEN, and in particular, ASD
• Experience of working with children with SEMH needs or challenging behaviours
• You are a calm, resilient and positive person
• You can demonstrate a strong work ethic and proactive approaches within the classroom.

You will also be a desirable candidate if:

• You are Team-Teach trained or have previous training in positive behaviour support strategies
• 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

Please only apply if you meet the specified requirements and are prepared to engage actively and diligently with the responsibilities of this role.

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)

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