At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' learning and inspire a love of education in a nurturing environment.
- Company: St Michael’s Primary School, a supportive and caring community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, tailored training, and a beautiful village setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Self-motivated, caring individuals; experience with children is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and development in a well-resourced school.
The predicted salary is between 19800 - 24800 £ per year.
St Michael’s Primary School, Withyham is seeking an Individual Needs Assistant (INA) for 22.50 hours and a Midday Supervisory Assistant (MDSA) for 5 hours. The salary scale is £24,796 per annum (pro rata) for INA and £24,413 per annum (pro rata) for MDSA, working Monday to Friday (Term time only).
Individual Needs Assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day life of the school, supporting pupils with their learning under the direction of the class teacher or SENCo. Throughout the week, you may be working 1:1 with a pupil, with a group of pupils, or providing general support in the classroom. INAs also support during lunchtimes and in PPA time providing class cover.
We are looking for a self-motivated, caring INA who believes in supporting children to reach their full potential. If you can inspire our pupils to love learning and possess the skills and determination to make a difference to individual pupil outcomes, then you may be the candidate we are looking for.
We can offer:
- a small and very supportive staff
- tailor-made training to fit your role
- wonderful, well-behaved children
- well-resourced classrooms
- a beautiful village setting with spacious grounds that we use every day
There will be opportunities for the successful candidate to bring any prior experience or current expertise to the role. If you have no experience of working with children, training and support is available.
Start date: As soon as possible
Closing date: 9.00 a.m. 24 February 2026
Interviews W/C 2 March 2026
Visits to the school are strongly recommended and can be arranged via Ms D Udell on 01892 770307 or by emailing office@st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk. This is also the address if you would like an application pack.
We reserve the right to close the selection process early. For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:
St Michael's Primary School
Station Road
Withyham
TN7 4BP
Phone: 01892 77030
Website: www.st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk
St Michael’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding all children. Successful candidates will require a DBS clearance and suitable references before commencing employment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.
Individual Needs Assistant - Fixed Term employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Individual Needs Assistant - Fixed Term
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or visit the school if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and its vibe will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key skills they’re looking for, like supporting children and inspiring a love of learning. Prepare some examples from your past experiences that highlight these skills, so you can share them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The school is looking for someone who’s caring and self-motivated, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for helping children and how you can contribute to their growth and development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age, which is a bonus in today’s job market.
We think you need these skills to ace Individual Needs Assistant - Fixed Term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping pupils reach their full potential!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's working with children or in a similar role. If you don’t have direct experience, share any transferable skills that make you a great fit for the Individual Needs Assistant position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand why you’re the right person for the job!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what an Individual Needs Assistant does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like supporting pupils with their learning and working closely with teachers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Caring Nature
As an INA, being caring and supportive is key. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've helped others, especially children. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to inspire a love of learning and support pupils in reaching their full potential.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school environment, the team you'll be working with, or the training opportunities available. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the school community.
✨Visit the School
If possible, take the time to visit St Michael’s Primary School before your interview. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to mention specific things you noticed during your visit. It shows initiative and helps you connect better with the interviewers.