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Animal Care Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Term Time - Special Needs Position

The Wyvern School, Ashford

  • Ref:KCC886-7069-225S
  • 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 lead an inclusive and engaging animal experience where students learn to care for our animals, while developing their confidence, independence and life skills that will support them not only in school, but long after their time at The Wyvern School.

In the role you will:

  • Plan (with teacher support) and deliver an engaging, inclusive animal experience programme for all learners.
  • Work with students ranging from PMLD to Level 1 learners, adapting activities to meet diverse needs.
  • Deliver accredited entry level and Level 1 courses for KS4 and KS5 students, including the assessment of practical skills.
  • Take full responsibility for day‑to‑day animal care, including coordinating weekend and holiday routines.
  • Complete all required training, including animal welfare and exam board‑specific training.
  • Plan, prepare and deliver programmes of learning to individuals, groups and whole classes under teacher direction.
  • Assess, record and report on pupil progress and attainment.
  • Work collaboratively with staff, parents, carers and external professionals.
  • Support pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing, modelling empathy, respect and positive communication

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.