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’s Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees benefit from a generous holiday allowance, a robust pension scheme, and access to excellent facilities, including a gym and pool. The role of Individual Needs Assistant not only allows for meaningful engagement with students but also offers opportunities for professional growth within a vibrant school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Individual Needs Assistant (INA) in Herstmonceux
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BEDE.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BEDE!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BEDE, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BEDE or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Individual Needs Assistant (INA) in Herstmonceux
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BEDE:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BEDE! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BEDE
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
