1:1 SEND Teaching Assistant at Downe Primary School

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New
  Job Reference #
EDV/2026/DPS/38109
  Location
High Elms Road, Downe, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7JN
  Contract Type
Fixed Term/Term Time Only
  Contract Term
Part-Time
  Salary
TPA 4 / NJC 3 - 7 - £28,616 - £30,285 pa FTE
 Fixed Term End Date
Tue 31st Aug, 2027
  Closing Date
Midnight, Mon 8th Jun, 2026
  Start Date
June 2026 / September 2026
  Positions Available
2
   Positions Available        2
  Interview Date(s)
As suitable applications are received
   Interview Date(s)           As suitable applications are received
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About this Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced SEND Teaching Assistant to join our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) - Maple Class. The successful candidate's will work alongside our school SENDCo, experienced and committed SEND Teacher, as well as additional support from other SEND unit teachers across the Trust, and our Academy Central Head of SEND.

There are two roles available and each role is linked to a child on a 1:1 ratio, the roles are broken down as follows: 

1 x 1:1 SEND Teaching Assistant, 25 hours per week working Monday - Friday and 39 weeks per year with a start date of 01st September 2026. This roles actual salary is £17,683.57pa 

1 x 1:1 SEND Teaching Assistant working 17 hours per week working Monday - Friday and, 39 weeks per year with a flexible start date, this role can begin in June 2026 or 01st September 2026. This roles actual salary is £12,024.83pa. 

Please state within in your personal statement which role you would prefer to be considered for and if the role of 17 hours per week is your preference state your desired start date of June or Sept 2026. 

Visits to the school are encouraged and can be arranged via the school office on 01689 853916. 
Please note that, although this is a role listed to start in the new academic year, our INSET days are on 27th and 28th August and the successful candidate will be required to work on these dates.

About The ELP:

Maple Class is our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) designed to support children with Special Educational Needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). We provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where each child’s individual needs are met through a personalised learning plan, tailored to the targets outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) at Downe Primary School aims to provide an engaging, safe and personalised learning environment. Our objectives include encouraging students to develop independent learning skills whilst nurturing opportunities for our learners to express themselves in a wide variety of ways.

Facilitating happy, rich learning experiences is very much at the heart of everything we do.  Read more here: https://downe.bromley.sch.uk/maple-class/

Our approach includes:

  • A flexible school day tailored to sensory needs
  • Enhanced opportunities for recall and consolidation
  • Adapted lessons for autistic learners, including those with co-occurring needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and ACEs
  • Reintegration into mainstream and reverse integration opportunities where appropriate

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and committed teacher who:

  • Has a strong understanding of a range of special educational needs
  • Possesses a solid foundation in autism-specific strategies
  • Has prior experience working in SEND settings (this role is not suitable for newly qualified teachers without SEND experience)
  • Is a team player with a long-term commitment to supporting children with SEND
  • Is ambitious on behalf of our pupils and reflective in their practice
Downe Primary School is a small village school with a warm, family feel. We place great emphasis on positive and secure relationships built upon trust, respect and clear communication. This extends to every member of the school community, providing a supportive learning environment where everyone is valued and included, championed and challenged. Children develop the personal skills required for a happy and fulfilled life alongside the knowledge and skills required for the next stage of their education.
Downe Primary School is part of The Pioneer Academy Trust which is an academy trust with schools across London and the South East.  At The Pioneer Academy, we put children first, pioneering excellence and championing each and every child.  All our schools, ranging from small infant schools to large primary schools, work collaboratively, sharing resources and expertise.   Find out more at:  Downe Primary School and www.thepioneeracademy.co.uk

What we offer you:

  • A friendly, dedicated staff team who believe in teamwork and building positive relationships across the school, the Trust and in the local community.
  • A supportive and collaborative working ethos, including support from the Trust’s Central Executive Team and a range of experts, such as specialists in EYFS, SEND and Phonics.
  • A Trust wide curriculum with shared planning and resources, including adaptive teaching tools, to significantly reduce workload for teachers and subject leaders.
  • High quality development programme with induction programmes for all new staff.
  • Excellent CPD opportunities, including outstanding ECT training and support, subject specific training for all, and access to NPQs.
  • Annual conferences with keynote speakers, including experts from the EEF.
  • Access to professional coaching beyond your ECT years.
  • Termly subject leader forums to increase collaboration and reduce workload.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Programme including free counselling, integrated GP and nurse services, and access to a range of other wellbeing services such as private physiotherapy,  mindfulness and yoga sessions, bereavement support, menopause support, men's health support.
  • Access to discounted wrap around childcare for staff.
  • Free academy-wide social events throughout the year.

If you are interested in applying for the post, please see the Job Description/Person Specification.  To apply for this vacancy, please complete the application form, completing a full education and employment history since leaving school and indicating how you satisfy the criteria set out in the Job Description/Person Specification. Please list your teaching experiences clearly in your application. Previous teaching posts, including any teacher training placements for those recently completing Initial Teacher Training, should be listed in the employment history section of the form, and you should expand on your experiences within your personal statement, articulating the year groups and key stages that you have experiences of teaching in.  Applications should be submitted via email My New Term.  CVs will not be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal disclosures and declarations form prior to interview. References will be requested for those shortlisted only and prior to interview.  In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 online searches will be completed as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates, searching online content that is publicly available for inappropriate online content that may suggest that a shortlisted candidate may not be suitable to work with children, or that may harm the reputation of the school.  If any issues of concern come up in online searches, shortlisted candidates will have an opportunity to address these at interview.   An Enhanced DBS certificate will be required on provisional offer, including a check of the Children’s Barred List.  Further vetting checks, in line with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 will be completed following a provisional offer of appointment.  Where applicable, if an applicant with a provisional offer of employment has lived and/or worked outside the UK, they will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct or other overseas police check.  Candidates will be required to arrange this themselves if they do not already have the necessary certificate. We recommend that those applicants who have lived and worked abroad read the Gov.uk information ahead of interview to familiarise themselves with the vetting checks that will be required: Criminal Records Checks for applicants who have lived overseas - further information 

The Pioneer Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks. Our Academy Safeguarding Policy is attached for your reference.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS ADVERT EARLY AND SUITABLE CANDIDATES MAY BE INTERVIEWED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.



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