Teaching Assistant

Woodlands; Westwood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational institution in Westwood is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support students facing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health challenges. The ideal candidate will have experience working with such students, possess strong communication skills, and be resilient. This role offers additional benefits including an excellent CPD programme and access to local retail discounts. The position is fixed-term for one year and aims to provide an inclusive and engaging environment.

Benefits

Excellent CPD programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Kent Rewards Scheme

Medicash Health Care Cash Plan

Kent Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Prior experience assisting children with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
• Commitment to inclusion and helping students thrive.

Responsibilities

• Support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health challenges.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to promote a safe learning environment.
• Contribute to a caring and supportive educational atmosphere.

Skills

Supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs

Strong communication skills

Resilience and empathy

Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Flexibility and patience

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Job description

At The Royal Harbour Academy, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students. We are currently looking for a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our team and work with students who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, as well as those with behavioural needs. Our ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in high-pressure situations and is committed to making a real difference in the lives of young people.

The contract is a fixed term 1 year contract due to the receipt of High Needs funding and will be reviewed again in June 2026 with the view to continue employment.

You should be a positive and enthusiastic person who loves working with children and helping them to strive for their best. You should also have the following:

• Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs, the ability to remain calm, solution-focused, and responsive in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication skills, with a willingness to take direction from colleagues and work as part of a team.
• Resilience, empathy, and a commitment to inclusion, with a genuine passion for helping students reach their full potential.
• A solid understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of promoting a safe learning environment.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent) are desirable, but not essential.
• Flexibility, patience, and a proactive approach to supporting students' needs.

The successful applicant will share these values and play an active part in delivering on this commitment.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• want to work in a supportive and caring environment
• are committed to enabling every student to achieve the very best they can

What can we offer you?

Additional benefits include:

Excellent CPD programme;

Being part of a highly successful Trust;

Free Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice;

Kent Rewards Scheme – access to local and national retail discounts

Access to Medicash Health Care Cash Plan

Automatic enrolement into the Kent Local Governorment Pension Scheme

The Royal Harbour Academyis committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any staff employed will be expected to obtain DBS clearance.

Candidates should apply as soon as possible as applications will be dealt with as they arrive.