At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs to thrive and develop independence.
- Company: Danecourt School, part of the Maritime Academy Trust, fostering a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths; passion for helping children is key.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 33483 £ per year.
Join Danecourt School as a Teaching Assistant! Support, care, and help children shine every single day.
Location: Danecourt School, with satellite provisions at Featherby Primary School (Gillingham) and Bligh Primary School (Strood)
Salary: Medway D2 (Point 4 - 11) £16,758.35 - 19,060 (Actual) + SEN Allowance £1361 (Actual)
Contracted Hours: 28.75 hours per week (8:45 am - 3:15 pm), Monday to Friday Term Time Only! 39 weeks per year
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
At Danecourt School, every small step matters. We’re looking for kind, patient, and committed Teaching Assistants to make a genuine difference for children with special educational needs (SEND). You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to support pupils with a wide range of needs, including autism, communication differences, and social and emotional challenges as a result of their complex needs.
No two days are the same — but every day is rewarding. You’ll:
- Support children to access learning and develop independence
- Provide care, encouragement, and emotional support
- Collaborate with teachers to deliver creative, inclusive lessons
- Help children build confidence, communication skills, and resilience
- Celebrate every moment of progress — no matter how small
While Danecourt will be your main school there is the potential you can work across our three school sites, experiencing a rich and varied learning environment.
Who You Are
You don’t need years of SEND experience — what matters most is your heart, dedication, and willingness to learn. You are someone who:
- Is passionate about helping children thrive
- Brings patience, positivity, and empathy to every situation
- Works well as part of a collaborative team
- Is calm, flexible, and committed to personal growth
- Has (or is keen to develop) knowledge of supporting pupils with autism or complex needs
- Holds GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths qualifications
- Ideally holds SEND support qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or equivalent)
What We Offer
At Danecourt, part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we live by our STARS values: Self-Reliant, Team Player, Aspirational, Resilient, Successful. We’re proud to offer:
- A welcoming, collaborative culture where every role matters
- A strong sense of purpose — your work directly impacts pupil progress, confidence, and wellbeing
- Weekly training and CPD to build skills and confidence
- Clear pathways for career progression: TA → HLTA → Teacher or specialist careers such as Speech & Language support
- Access to the Maritime Outreach Support Service to enhance SEND best practice
- Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme and school wellbeing leads
- Term-time only work for a better work-life balance
- Recognition of excellence: Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Award and Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award
Ready to Make a Difference?
We’d love to welcome you for a visit to see what makes Danecourt so special. Contact the school office on 01634 232589 to arrange a visit or for more information about the Open Day. Apply now via My New Term — early applications are encouraged, and we may interview and appoint as applications are received.
Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Hale employer: Danecourt School
At Danecourt School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment where every Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting children with special educational needs. Our commitment to professional development, including weekly training and clear pathways for career progression, ensures that you can grow alongside our pupils. With a focus on wellbeing and a strong sense of purpose, working here means making a meaningful impact in the lives of children every day.
