Individual Needs Assistant - Fixed Term

St Michael's Primary School, Withyham

• Ref:KCC845-2091-32S
• Posted:16/07/2026
• Pay:Single Status
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:24/08/2026 at 09:00
• Interviews:W/C 31 August 2026

Advert

St Michael’s Primary School, Withyham

Individual Needs Assistant Post (INA) 22.50 hours and MDSA 5 hours

Single Status Grade 3 

Salary scale £24,796 per annum (pro rata) (INA)

                      £24,413 per annum (pro rata) MDSA

Monday to Friday (Term time only)

Individual Needs Assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day life of the school.  The post involves supporting pupils with their learning under the direction of the class teacher or SENCo. Throughout the week you may be working 1:1 with a pupil, with a group of pupils or supporting generally in the classroom.  Our INA's also play a crucial role in supporting during lunchtimes and in PPA time providing class cover.

The post is for 22.50 hours a week as a Individual Needs Assistant and 5 hours MDSA (Lunchtime) - We can be flexible with hours if we find someone who meets all of our needs.

We are looking for a self-motivated, caring INA who believes in supporting children to reach their full potential. If you are able to inspire our pupils to a love of learning and possess the skills and determination to make a difference to individual pupil outcomes, then you may be the candidate we are looking for.

We can offer:

• a small and very supportive staff.
• tailor made training to fit your role.
• wonderful, well-behaved children.
• well-resourced classrooms.
• a beautiful village setting with spacious grounds that we use every day.

There will be opportunities for the successful candidate to bring any prior experience or current expertise to the role. If you have no experience of working with children training and support is available.

Start date:  As soon as possible

Closing date: 9.00a.m 24 February 2026

Interviews W/C 2 March 2026

Visits to the school are strongly recommended and can be arranged via Ms D Udell on 01892 770307 or by emailing office@st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk. This is also the address if you would like an application pack.  We reserve the right to close the selection process early.

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

St Michael's Primary School

Station Road

Withyham

TN7 4BP

Phone: 01892 77030

Website: www.st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk

St Michael’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding all children. Successful candidates will require a DBS clearance and suitable references before commencing employment. We welcome applications from all section of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.     

Information about the school

In May 2026 Our Ofsted Report card was published judging the school as at the expected standard in all areas apart from attendance.

Our Ofsted report Card from March 2026 stated:

Pupils love the small size of their school and build positive relationships across year groups. For example, children in the Reception year often choose to sit with older friends during calm and happy lunchtimes in the dining hall. Pupils feel their school is a special place. They appreciate features such as the field beyond the playground, where they take part in sports day. The well-used school boot rack shows how often pupils pull on their boots to explore and play.

Across the school, including in the early years, pupils benefit from the improvements leaders have made to the wider curriculum. Older pupils can explain the approaches that help them learn well. They describe contributing to subject floor books and adding key knowledge to their ‘memory jars’. Staff understand pupils’ needs well and this enables all groups to make secure progress through the curriculum.

Pupils understand and live the school values of collaboration, challenge and community. With the current focus on challenge, older pupils talk confidently about pushing themselves in their learning. Pupils feel listened to. Their class councils give them real influence, including securing the new art hut in the playground. They also value chances to contribute to the wider community, such as performing in the local church and taking part in the annual Maypole dance. Special events, including the residential visit for older pupils, help them develop independence and a sense of belonging.

Pupils feel safe and well cared for. They say staff listen and support them when needed. They appreciate the varied offer of clubs, with popular options including football, drama and Makaton. Bullying and serious behavioural issues are rare and pupils trust staff to act if concerns arise. Leaders know attendance has been lower than national figures in recent years and are taking appropriate action to address this.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Debbie Udell
• Address:Station Road, Withyham, East Sussex , TN7 4BP
• Telephone: 01892 770307
• Email: office@st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Application Form
• Job Description