Teaching Assistant - Special Needs - Fixed Term

Birtley House Independent School, West Kingsdown

• Ref:KCC886-6136-41S
• Posted:23/03/2026
• Pay:KSC £26,956 (pro rata)
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:30/03/2026 at 11:00
• Interviews:Wednesday 1st April 2026

Advert

About the Role

Birtley House Specialist Independent School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant – Additional Needs to join our supportive team as soon as possible.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work with pupils with a range of special educational needs, supporting them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

You will work closely with teachers, the SENDCo, and external professionals to deliver personalised learning, support pupils’ social and emotional development, and contribute to a positive and safe school experience for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of planned learning activities and adapt these to meet individual pupil needs

• Work with pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups to deliver targeted interventions

• Support pupils with a range of SEN, including communication, social, emotional, sensory and physical needs

• Assist in monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress, including EHCP targets

• Promote pupils’ independence, inclusion, and engagement in learning

• Provide social and emotional support, using trauma-informed and de-escalation approaches

• Implement behaviour support strategies, including positive handling where required

• Liaise with teachers, therapists (e.g. SALT, OT), parents/carers and external agencies

• Support pupils during unstructured times, including lunchtimes and educational visits

• Prepare and adapt resources, including use of assistive technologies and specialist approaches (e.g. PECS, TEACCH)

• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality and professionalism at all times

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children, ideally those with SEN

• Has a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection

• Can adapt learning and resources to meet individual needs

• Is confident supporting behaviour management and emotional regulation

• Has strong communication and teamwork skills

• Is flexible, resilient and proactive

• Is committed to promoting the well-being and progress of every child

Desirable:

• Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 1 or 2)

• Paediatric First Aid training

• Experience with EHCPs, therapies, or specialist SEN strategies

Why Join Us?

At Birtley House Specialist Independent School, you will be part of a committed and caring team where every child is valued. We offer a supportive working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Safeguarding Commitment

Birtley House Specialist Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Information about the school

We are a small, nurturing independent rural school set within a peaceful countryside environment, dedicated to supporting children with additional learning needs. Our pupils are aged 5–11 years (Year 1 to Year 6) and benefit from a warm, supportive community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

Our school specialises in supporting children with a range of needs, including specific and general learning difficulties, speech and language difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, dyspraxia and anxiety. Approximately 90% of our pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), allowing us to provide highly individualised support tailored to each child.

We recognise that every learner is unique. While some of our pupils are working below age-related expectations, many demonstrate strong academic ability and achieve above expected levels when given the right environment and guidance. For these pupils, our focus is often on developing social communication, confidence and emotional wellbeing, alongside academic learning.

As a small school, we are able to create a calm, inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where pupils benefit from personalised attention, structured support and a strong sense of belonging. Our rural setting provides opportunities for outdoor learning, exploration and wellbeing activities that complement classroom learning.

Safeguarding the children in our care is at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding practice. All staff share responsibility for creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every pupil.

All candidates will be expected to follow the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo rigorous pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, social media screening and other employment vetting procedures in line with safeguarding regulations.

If you would like to learn more about our school and the work we do, we warmly encourage you to get in touch. We would be delighted to speak with you.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Sarah Whelan
• Address:Fawkham Road, West Kingsdown, Kent, TN15 6AY
• Telephone: 01474 853192
• Email: office@birtleyhouseschool.co.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• TA Job Description and Person Spec