Teaching Assistant in Hassocks

Join Our Team at Downlands Community School. Downlands Community School is a thriving, inclusive, and ambitious school committed to providing transformative opportunities that take all pupils beyond their lived experience. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive Learning Support team at Downlands Community School. This role involves working closely with pupils aged 11–16 supporting them to achieve their full potential. You will provide in-class and small group support, assist with literacy and numeracy, and help maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, patience, resilience, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people.

Main Responsibilities

• Supporting Pupils
  • Provide in class and out of class support for individuals or small groups, under teacher direction
  • Assist pupils with literacy and numeracy development
  • Clarify instructions and support completion of classwork and homework
  • Motivate pupils to stay engaged and on task
  • Support pupils during examinations by acting as a reader, scribe, or invigilator
  • Assist pupils with physical needs in practical activities (e.g. science or design technology lessons)
  • Adapt and modify learning materials (e.g. differentiated or simplified resources)
• Monitoring and Reporting
  • Work with pupil learning profiles and contribute to documentation
  • Track and monitor pupil progress against agreed targets
  • Support the review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
  • Contribute to written reports on pupil progress
  • Attend pupil review meetings where required
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Work closely with teaching staff, SENDCos, and the Learning Support Department
  • Attend departmental meetings and report on pupil support and progress
  • Follow school procedures for reporting concerns or behavioural issues
• Behaviour and Pastoral Support
  • Promote and uphold the school’s behaviour and conduct expectations
  • Support consistent application of reward and behaviour systems
  • Build positive and respectful relationships with pupils

Person Specification

• Experience & Knowledge
  • Sufficient educational background to support pupils aged 11–16, including GCSE level
  • Strong literacy and numeracy skills
  • Experience working with young people (desirable)
  • Understanding of how pupils learn, particularly those with additional needs (desirable)
  • Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
• Skills & Abilities
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to build strong relationships with pupils and staff
  • Sensitivity to pupils’ needs
  • Ability to maintain fairness and consistency
  • Teamwork skills and collaborative approach
  • Discretion and integrity when handling confidential information
  • Basic IT skills and willingness to develop further
• Personal Qualities
  • Patience and resilience
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Non-judgemental approach
  • Ability to act as a positive role model
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development

Safeguarding Statement: Downlands Community School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and other relevant pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references. Shortlisted applicants will also be subject to an online search. This is not part of the shortlisting process, and candidates will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns identified during the search at interview.

Closing Information: Closing Date 9:00am on Friday 20th November 2026. Interviews to be held week commencing Monday 23rd November 2026.