At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs and lead exciting outdoor activities.
- Company: Independent special school in Herne Bay with a focus on personal growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with challenging young people and a passion for outdoor activities.
- Other info: Join a creative team dedicated to helping pupils thrive.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 Β£ per hour.
Part-time, Monday & Fridays, with a view to extend. Term-time only.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience.
Are you passionate about making a difference for young people who have failed to thrive in mainstream education? Do you thrive on challenge, adventure, and helping pupils discover their strengths both in and out of the classroom? We are an independent special school in Herne Bay seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our team.
About the Role- Support pupils with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs, many of whom have experienced significant barriers to learning.
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to create a safe, structured and nurturing environment.
- Lead and participate in outward-bound activities such as climbing, canoeing, gym sessions, and other physical challenges that build confidence and resilience.
- Model positive relationships and provide consistent boundaries to help pupils re-engage with learning.
- Support pupils in one-to-one academic interventions as directed by a classroom teacher.
- Contribute to a curriculum that values practical skills, teamwork, and personal growth alongside academic progress.
- Has experience of working with very challenging young people, ideally in a special school, PRU, or alternative provision setting.
- Brings energy, patience, and a calm, solution-focused approach to behaviour management.
- Is physically confident and enthusiastic about outdoor and physical activities.
- Shows empathy and understanding for pupils who have been excluded from mainstream school.
- Can work flexibly as part of a committed, supportive team.
- A chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Opportunities for professional development and training in SEND and therapeutic approaches.
- A supportive staff team who value collaboration and creativity.
- The satisfaction of seeing pupils achieve in ways they never thought possible.
All applications via Kent Teach. Closing date: 22 February 2026. Interviews: TBC.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Teaching Assistant - Part-time in Canterbury employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Part-time in Canterbury
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to teaching assistants. Think about how you would handle challenging situations with pupils and be ready to share your experiences.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Part-time in Canterbury
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your passion for helping young people in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference and have the energy to tackle challenges head-on.
Tailor Your Experience: Highlight any relevant experience you have working with challenging young people, especially in special schools or alternative provisions. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through! Weβre looking for someone who can connect with our pupils, so donβt be afraid to show your enthusiasm for outdoor activities and teamwork in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via Kent Teach. Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
β¨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant in a special school. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils who have faced challenges in mainstream education. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their requirements.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous work with challenging young people. Share specific examples that highlight your patience, empathy, and ability to manage behaviour effectively. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your understanding of the unique environment they operate in.
β¨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and pastoral staff, be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaborative settings. Highlight instances where you've contributed to a team effort, especially in creating a nurturing environment for students.
β¨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Given the focus on outdoor activities and physical challenges, think about how you would engage pupils in these settings. Be ready to discuss your approach to leading activities like climbing or canoeing, and how you would ensure safety while promoting confidence and resilience among the students.