Individual Needs Assistant (St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School) in Hastings

Hours of work: 25 per week. Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 5.65 weeks annual leave). As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata. Fixed term for: 12 months. Closing date: Friday 5 June, 2026 at 12:00. Interview date: W/c 8 June, 2026.

St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School is seeking a compassionate, patient, and dependable Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to join our highly motivated team. St Mary Star of the Sea is a warm, welcoming, one-form entry Catholic primary school where children are at the absolute heart of everything we do. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2024) with an 'Outstanding' Catholic life and teaching rating, we maintain high ambitions for all pupils. We foster growth through exploration, enjoyment, and creativity, supported by strong traditions in music, sport, and parish community life.

We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and dependable INA to provide dedicated support for an enthusiastic Year 6 pupil with specific medical and academic needs. Your goal will be to promote independence, inclusion, and overall well-being in the classroom.

• Deliver tailored academic, social, and basic medical support to a Year 6 pupil.
• Collaborate and liaise regularly with teachers, parents, and external specialist agencies.
• Provide general assistance within the classroom to maintain an inclusive learning environment.
• Assist with basic pupil welfare and First Aid duties (full training provided).

• A caring person who consistently puts the needs of the child first.
• Proven, successful experience working with children within an educational or care setting.
• The ability to address academic tasks while remaining highly attentive to physical well-being.
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• Full commitment and support toward the Catholic ethos and values of our school.

We can offer you:

• Delightful, well-behaved pupils who are eager and motivated to learn.
• A highly supportive network of colleagues, leaders, and parents.
• Excellent continuous professional development (CPD) and specialised training.
• A workplace culture that actively prioritises staff well-being.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to child protection screening with past employers and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service. For further information please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in a child's education, we would love to hear from you. Visits to our school are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office on 01424 427801 for an appointment. For further details and an application form please email office@st-mary-star.e-sussex.sch.uk.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.