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Catering Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Term Time - Special Needs Position

The Wyvern School, Ashford

  • Ref:KCC886-7069-224S
  • Posted:25/03/2026
  • Pay:KSE + SEN
  • Start Date:September
  • App Close Date:20/04/2026 at 09:00
  • Interviews:24th April

Advert

We are excited to announce a newly created position, created to support the continued growth of our school and to enhance the learning opportunities for our students.  

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and lead a unique work experience programme centred around our school’s very own Wyvern Coffee Cart, a space where students learn to prepare, serve and interact with customers.

In the role you will:

  • Lead and deliver a structured work experience programme using The Wyvern Coffee Cart, supporting students in preparing and serving drinks and snacks.
  • Plan (with teacher support) engaging sequences of skills that help students grow in independence and confidence.
  • Assess students’ practical abilities and track their development using agreed systems.
  • Deliver cooking sessions and learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes.
  • Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety, hygiene, and organisation.
  • Order and manage stock for lessons and coffee cart activities.
  • Support students’ social and emotional wellbeing, using positive and respectful approaches.
  • Communicate effectively with parents, carers, colleagues and external agencies.
  • Occasionally attend events outside normal working hours (with overtime paid).

We are looking for someone who:

  • Has GCSE English and Maths at Grade D (3) or above, with experience of at least 2 years as an LSA across more than one key stage or pathway.
  • Is passionate about working with pupils with SEND
  • Is confident leading groups or whole classes under teacher direction.
  • Demonstrates strong behaviour management and a positive, solution-focused approach.
  • Understands safeguarding and follows procedures consistently.
  • Is flexible, resilient, reflective and committed to teamwork.
  • Lives our school values by spreading happiness, connecting community, encouraging independence and showing respect.

Why Work at The Wyvern School?

  • A warm, inclusive, and values-driven environment
  • Thorough induction and training programme
  • On-site parking
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Opportunities to gain qualifications
  • Staff wellbeing support, including:
    - Confidential counselling service
    - Annual flu vaccinations
    - Wellbeing app with access to GP, counselling, and physiotherapy

 

Information about the school

The Wyvern School is a large, dynamic, forward-looking school, with the aim of helping to shape best practice for pupils with complex needs. The school caters for 370 pupils with severe, profound and complex needs including autism.

If you want to play a part in making a difference to the lives of children with complex needs, we would love to hear from you!

The Wyvern School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. For all positions where a criminal record check is identified as necessary, an application for a DBS check will be made in the event of the individual being offered the position. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Please see our school website for our policy on ex-offenders.

For further details on the schools Child Protection policy, please see our school website.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance 2025, as part of the shortlisting process the school reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence. Any relevant information found concerning a candidates suitability to work with children will be discussed with the applicant.

Job Contact Information

Documents

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.