As a Teaching Assistant at Danecourt, you’ll work closely with our teachers to create a nurturing, supportive, and engaging learning environment for primary-aged children with complex needs, including autism and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Every day is different, offering a demanding yet deeply rewarding experience where you will:

• Provide tailored support to individuals or small groups of students, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Offer personal care and well-being support to students, ensuring they are fully engaged and able to participate in their learning.

• Collaborating with our team to implement creative and innovative teaching strategies that are as unique as each child.

• Encouraging independence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Passionate, proactive individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the lives of our pupils. Our ideal candidate will:

• Ideally be qualified with an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Childcare or SEND practice.

• Have experience supporting pupils with special educational needs, particularly autism (ASD).

• Proficient in numeracy and literacy skills, with qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade A-C.

• Be Flexible, patient, proactive, and willing to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment with a supportive team.

• Be committed to inclusive education and passionate about providing every child with the opportunity to succeed.

• Be comfortable providing personal care when needed
• Have a strong desire to learn and grow within the role

Flexibility is key, as you may be required to work across any of our three locations: Danecourt School, Featherby Primary (Gillingham), and Bligh Primary (Strood).

At Danecourt, no two days are ever the same, but the rewards are truly worth it. You’ll experience the unique joy of seeing children overcome challenges and achieve what they never thought possible. Here’s why our team loves working with us:

• Term-Time Only Role: Enjoy a fantastic work-life balance with holidays aligned to the school term schedule.
• Award-Winning School: Danecourt School is proud to be the Winner of the Primary Special School Provision category at the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Awards. Our commitment to excellence in SEND education is recognized and celebrated, and we’re always striving to do more
• Growth Opportunities: At Danecourt, we are incredibly passionate about growing our own talent. Whether you want to become an HLTA, teacher, or take on another role, we offer continuous professional development (CPD) and opportunities for career progression.
• A Fun and Supportive Team: We know that teamwork makes the dream work. From fundraising events like the school’s Sahara trek to fun activities with the students (including horse riding), the Danecourt team is one of collaboration, laughter, and shared purpose.

• Make a Difference: As part of our “Imagine the Impossible” campaign, we’re creating an immersive classroom — a multi-sensory environment designed to expand the horizons of our pupils and help them experience the world in a way that’s both engaging and calming. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in creating an educational experience that truly transforms lives.

• A Collaborative, Caring Community: Our staff and pupils work together to create a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment. Everyone at Danecourt — from pupils to staff — is valued and supported.

• Community Impact: Our school’s immersive classroom will not only benefit our pupils but will be available to other schools, care homes, charities, and community groups in the Medway area, allowing you to be part of something that makes a real difference in the local community.

Why You Should Apply:

Being a Teaching Assistant at Danecourt means you’re not just filling a role; you’re becoming part of something bigger. While the job can be demanding, the passion, support, and rewards make it one of the most fulfilling careers you can pursue. The bonds you’ll form with the children, the growth you’ll experience, and the difference you’ll make will inspire you every single day.

If you’re ready to embark on a career where every day is rewarding and impactful, we’d love to meet you! Visits to the school are warmly welcomed — contact our office to arrange a tour and see the wonderful work we're doing and the inspiring environment we've created.

Please note that we may hold interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received and reserve the right to offer the position before the closing date. Submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity.

For further details, including a full job description, please refer to the attached candidate application pack. Applications must be submitted online via the My New Term website.

Maritime Academy Trust embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

The Trust and its academies are committed to recruiting with care and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to a successful Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before an appointment is confirmed.

In line with KCSIE 2023 guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and to share any pertinent information found concerning a candidate's suitability to work with children with Hiring Managers to be discussed at interview stage