Teaching Assistant

Woodlands; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A special education provider in Canterbury is seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs. This part-time role focuses on providing a safe and nurturing environment and helping students engage with learning through outdoor activities. Ideal candidates are empathetic, patient, and experienced in working with challenging young people. Join a supportive team that values collaboration and creativity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive staff team

Chance to make a difference

Qualifications

• Experience of working with very challenging young people, ideally in a special school or alternative provision setting.
• Brings energy, patience, and a calm, solution-focused approach to behaviour management.
• Shows empathy and understanding for pupils who have been excluded from mainstream school.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Work closely with teachers to create a safe and nurturing environment.
• Lead outward-bound activities like climbing and canoeing.

Skills

Experience with challenging young people

Calm and solution-focused approach

Physical confidence for outdoor activities

Empathy and understanding

Ability to work flexibly in a team

Job description

Overview

Teaching Assistant

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

You will:

• 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.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• 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.

Why Join Us?

• 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.

How to Apply

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.