At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Sixth Form pupil with Cerebral Palsy in their academic and social journey.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community committed to inclusion and diversity.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, generous holiday allowance, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young adult's life while fostering community support.
- Qualifications: Passion for inclusion, adaptability, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 16446 - 16446 £ per year.
We are seeking two dedicated Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to join our vibrant school community this September. Rooted firmly in the social model of disability, this role is focused on acting as an ally, enabler, and inclusion facilitator for a Sixth Form pupil with Cerebral Palsy. Your mission will be to remove physical and academic barriers, support independent use of mobility aids, and champion the pupil's transition into adulthood and higher education or employment. Importantly, while this pupil is your primary focus, you will be an integral part of our wider school community. When the pupil is studying independently, you will actively pivot to support and engage with other pupils within the classroom and the boarding house, fostering a holistic environment of communal support.
Key Responsibilities
- Empowering Academic & Tech Support: Act as an objective reader/scribe in lessons and exams, and coach the pupil to master assistive technologies for future independence.
- Autonomy-First Daily Assistance: Support the independent use of mobility aids and orthotics using a respectful, 'assistance on request' approach.
- Fluid Community Integration: Pivot proactively to support the wider classroom and boarding house whenever the primary pupil is engaged in independent study.
- Inclusive Enrichment & Trip Planning: Accompany the pupil on off-site excursions, university visits, and social events, pre-auditing venues to remove accessibility barriers.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Implement specialist strategies from Educational Psychologists, Physios, and OTs, while maintaining proactive communication with parents and staff.
About You
- Inclusion & Autonomy Mindset: Strongly aligned with the social model of disability; committed to removing barriers while deeply respecting a young adult’s personal boundaries and independence.
- Adaptable & Community-Minded: Able to fluidly transition from intensive 1-to-1 pupil care to proactively engaging and managing wider groups of teenagers in both classroom and residential boarding environments.
- Collaborative, Tech-Savvy Communicator: Exceptionally skilled at navigating sensitive conversations with families and medical professionals, with the technical confidence to master assistive learning technologies.
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (anticipated until June 2028 or June 2029).
Working Pattern: Term-time only: 33 weeks per year. Hours: 37 hours per week. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 37 hours per week. Shifts are split into early and late rotas between two INAs (falling between 07:30 and 22:00). Please note: You will not work the full 14.5-hour window in a single day.
Offering an attractive salary of £16,446.87 plus holiday pay per annum (Full Time Equivalent £28,094.11) along with a range of staff benefits including:
- A fantastic holiday allowance of 30 days plus bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- A generous company pension with salary exchange options
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Retail Discounts
- Aviva Digital GP app - swift and convenient access to a GP via video consultation
- Free use of School gym & pool facilities/discounted nationwide gym membership
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Beneficiary Nominations (Death in Service)
- Complimentary Lunch provided
- Free onsite parking at the Senior School.
Application Closing Date: Monday 6th July 2026 at 8am.
Bede’s Trust is committed to building a truly inclusive school and cultivating a culture of equality, diversity and kindness. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our students and wider society. We are an equal opportunity employer and in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expressions, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. Bede’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
Individual Needs Assistant (INA) in Herstmonceux employer: BEDE
Bede is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the safety and well-being of both staff and pupils. As a Minibus Driver in Eastbourne, you will enjoy flexible part-time hours during term time, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, while also engaging with the community and contributing to the development of young minds. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee satisfaction, Bede stands out as a rewarding place to work.
