East Sussex County Council
Individual Needs Assistant (Hailsham Academy)
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Individual Needs Assistant x2 Vacancies: 2 Start Date: September 2026 Grade: Single Status Grade 3 Point 7 Contract Type: Fixed term (attached to a specific student), part-time, term-time only (32.5 hours/week)
Hours & Working Pattern
- Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (with a 30-minute unpaid daily break)
- Schedule: Part-time, term-time only (pro rata salary applies,hle is currently* £24,796 full-time equivalent / £18,869 per annum for this role)
- Closing Date & Time: 10:00 am, Tuesday 7 July 2026
About Hailsham Academy
Hailsham Academy is a split-site all-through school, serving approximately 1,500 students in the secondary phase and 300 in the primary phase. Strategically located near Eastbourne (South Coast) and within minutes of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Academy prides itself on providing exceptional educational opportunities in a vibrant, supportive environment.
In September 2019, we opened a brand-new Primary and Pre-School phase within the town, extending the Academy’s designation to a 2–19 all-through provision. Since our March 2023 Ofsted inspection, we have strengthened our leadership structure, pastoral support, and curriculum delivery to ensure educational excellence.
With our joining MARK Education Trust in September 2025, we have embraced a culture of aspirational excellence, where schools retain their unique identity while collaborating as a trusted partnership. Our vision is to provide the best possible education, fostering an environment where every student is highly ambitious and uncompromisingly driven to excellence.
About the Role
We are seeking two caring, patient, and enthusiastic Individual Needs Assistants to join our dedicated team, supporting the inclusive, nurturing development of students. This vital role includes:
- Working in and out of the classroom to provide tailored support for children with additional needs.
- Collaborating with classroom teachers and SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) staff to enhance learning experiences.
- Helping to create a safe, valued, and empowering environment where every child can reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Implementing intervention strategies, assisting with behavioural support, and encouraging independent confidence in students.
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Responsibilities
As an Individual Needs Assistant, you will:
- Provide personalised support for students, adapting to their unique needs, strengths, and challenges.
- Assist with academic, physical, and emotional development, ensuring holistic progress.
- Collaborate with teaching teams to contribute to lesson plans, resource adaptation, and differentiation strategies.
- Implement positive behaviour management techniques, including pastoral support and crisis intervention when required.
- Maintain accurate documentation of progress and communicate effectively with parents, carers, and broader staff.
- Contribute to the Academy’s inclusive culture, fostering an environment where diversity and challenging circumstances are embraced with kindness and professionalism.
Requirements
- A passionate commitment to making a positive difference in children’s lives, especially those with additional learning needs.
- Strong patience, resilience, and empathy—key traits in this supportive yet sometimes rewarding role.
- Experience (or willingness to train) in supporting children with SEND, either in classroom or resourced settings.
- Dedicated and adaptable in fast-paced environments, with an ability to work within a team structure under SEND Coordinator guidance.
- Prioritise safeguarding and duty of care at all times, aligning with the Academy’s policies and legal obligations.
- An inspiring attitude towards further development; we encourage CPD participation and professional growth initiatives.
While formal qualifications are not mandatory, preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate experience or training in SEND, mental health awareness, or behavioural support.
Safeguarding Mandates
- Must comply with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or hold a valid, enhanced certificate for Regulated Activity).
- Participants must familiarise themselves with the Academy’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and legally adhere to all principles outlined (available on our websites).
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Benefits
If you join our team, you will benefit from:
✅ Flexible Working – Tailored to suit your schedule where possible within constraints. ✅ Staff Recognition Programmes – Incentives for dedication and contributions. ✅ Pension Eligibility – Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teacher’s Pension Scheme. ✅ Supportive Leave Entitlement – Generous annual leave for support staff. ✅ Employee Wellbeing Support – Free, confidential counselling services (telephone/face-to-face, via Employee Assistance Programme). ✅ Voice Recognition Initiatives – Opportunities to feed back through staff surveys and forums. ✅ Discounts & Access – Blue Light Card discounts, free onsite parking and affordable use of Gym & Exercise Classes at Uplands Academy. ✅ Working Environment – Bright, purpose-built facilities in a strategically beautiful location within the Southeast.
Closing Notes
- Application Process: We do not accept CVs—use the online application form (linked below).
- Application Deadline may close early if initial applications meet quality criteria; apply promptly.
- Successful candidates will undergo thorough checks, including DBS, employment references, and safeguarding declarations.
For further application details, please contact:
- Hailing Academy, Primary Phase
- Email: Cburgess@markeducationtrust.org
- Direct Hiring Website: MARK Education Trust Careers Portal
Contact Information
- Hailsham Academy, Primary Phase Bulrush Lane, Hellingly East Sussex, BN27 4FB
- Phone: 01892 603000
- HUMAN RESOURCES General Queries: 01323 841468 | job.vacancies@hccat.net
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