At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Danecourt School, part of the Maritime Academy Trust, known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Term-time working, wellbeing support, and clear career progression from TA to Teacher.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives every day while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; experience in SEND is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Join a school recognised for its commitment to inclusion and student success.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
At Danecourt School, every small step matters. We’re looking for kind, dedicated Teaching Assistants who want to make a genuine difference for children with special educational needs (SEND). You’ll support children with complex needs including autism, communication differences and sensory or emotional challenges. Working closely with teachers, therapists and families, you’ll help pupils grow in confidence, communication and independence. Every day will be different — but every day you’ll make an impact.
In this role, you will:
- Support individuals or small groups to access learning.
- Provide care, encouragement and emotional support.
- Help deliver creative and engaging lessons.
- Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
You may work across our three school sites, giving you the chance to experience a rich and varied learning environment.
We’re looking for 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 eager to learn.
- Holds English and Maths GCSEs (or equivalent).
- Has experience or a strong interest in SEND.
Experience in education or care is helpful but not essential — full training will be provided.
At Danecourt, part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we live by our STARS values: Self-Reliant, Team Player, Aspirational, Resilient, Successful.
We offer:
- A welcoming, collaborative culture where every role matters.
- Regular CPD and development opportunities — including clear routes from TA to Teacher.
- Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and school wellbeing leads.
- Term-time working, giving you time to recharge during school holidays.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact every single day.
Join a school recognised as the Winner of the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Award and holder of the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award.
Ready to Make a Difference? Come and see what makes Danecourt so special.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Gillingham employer: Kent Tech
Contact Detail:
Kent Tech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Danecourt School. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to SEND. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experiences align with the role. Prepare examples of how you've supported children or worked in a team. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your passion for helping children thrive.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your kindness and empathy shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with children and support them emotionally, so don’t be afraid to share your genuine self.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with SEND shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We love seeing how you can bring patience, positivity, and empathy to the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Tech
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced by children with autism, communication differences, and sensory or emotional issues. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles or experiences. Whether it's through volunteering, work, or personal experiences, showing that you can connect with children on an emotional level is key.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Danecourt values teamwork, so highlight your ability to work well with others. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with teachers, parents, or other professionals in the past. This will demonstrate that you're a team player who can contribute positively to their collaborative culture.
✨Celebrate Small Wins
Be prepared to talk about the importance of celebrating small achievements in a child's learning journey. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve recognised and celebrated progress, no matter how minor, as this aligns perfectly with Danecourt's ethos of making every step count.